GOLDENSEAL IS WELL KNOWN FOR IT’S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND IMMUNE BOOSTING PROPERTIES; HOWEVER, IT’S ON THE ENDANGERED PLANT LIST AND IT’S TIME WE STARTED USING ALTERNATIVES, LIKE THIS AMAZING PLANT.

Oregon grape is an evergreen herb native to western North America, from British Columbia to northern California.
It is a low growing shrub with yellow flowers, purple berries, and leathery leaves that resemble holly.  Native Americans traditionally used Oregon grape to treat digestive problems and inflammatory skin conditions.  Human studies show that it may be an effective treatment for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

It makes for an excellent replacement for the endangered and expensive Goldenseal.

MATERIA MEDICA: OREGON GRAPE ROOT

Latin Name: Mahonia aquifolium, Berberis aquifolium

Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Parts Used: Root (dried), root bark, rhizome (dried), leaf (rarely)

Energetics: bitter, cold, dry

Actions: Alterative, antiseptic, antitumor, bitter tonic, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, laxative, liver tonic, siliagogue, thyroid stimulant

Uses:

• Antibacterial for skin and intestinal tract
• Dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure
• Acne
• Boils
• Catarrh
• Debility
• Diarrhea
• Dysentery
• Eczema
• Gastritis
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• Malaria
• Psoriasis
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Staph Infection
• Topically to treat boils, itchy skin, & wounds
• Gargle for sore throat

Cautions:

• Use only the dried plant, as the fresh root and rhizome can be excessively purgative.
• Avoid during pregnancy.
• Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions and in cases with excessive flatulence