What does barberry look like?
Barberry is a thorny shrub that grows in thickets on the edges of forests throughout Europe. It can also be found in parks as an ornamental shrub.
Grows to a height of 2-3 meters. It has small leaves and shoots covered with thorns. In May and June, it is covered with small yellow flowers, collected in hanging brushes up to 5 cm long.
A thorny shrub that bears fruit in autumn and can be recognized by its characteristic fruits. In autumn, hard, oblong red berries appear in clusters on the branches.
They are edible, but have a tart and sour taste despite being high in sugar. Therefore, they are not suitable for eating raw. They are harvested after full ripeness, when they turn bright red, i.e. in August or September.
The bark of the barberry is harvested from young 2-3-year-old branches in the spring, and the leaves – in May-June. However, due to the declining population, the bark, as well as the roots for medicinal purposes, is no longer mined as before.
The chemical composition of the barberry
Barberry is a medicinal plant. Modern natural medicine uses the fruits, leaves, bark and roots of the barberry, due to the fact that the most important compounds are found in almost the entire plant.
Note! Barberry contains substances that are not inferior in strength to some antibiotics. Barberry preparations not only effectively strengthen the entire body, but also support it in the fight against pathogens.
Barberry contains:
- saponins;
- tannins;
- Sahara;
- mineral salts;
- organic acids (tartaric and malic);
- pectins;
- carotenoids;
- vitamin C, vitamin P (rutin) and vitamin E.
It is also worth knowing that this plant contains flavonoids. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and detoxifying properties.
Saponin is a substance with expectorant, diuretic properties and supports the secretion of digestive juices. Pectins have anti-inflammatory properties.
The healing properties of barberry
In folk medicine, decoctions of barberry fruits are used for colds due to the high content of vitamin C.
The antioxidants present in it are very important in fighting free radicals and improving the immune system. To increase the immunity of the body, dried barberry fruits are added to tea. It can also be used for prevention. It is enough to add a few berries to tea.
Extracts from the bark and roots of the plant are used for bacterial infections, as they have antibacterial properties.
It is recommended to use an infusion of barberry leaves in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, digestive disorders. Relieves stomach pain, nausea. It has a beneficial effect on the bacterial flora of the intestine, thereby reducing the absorption of sugar in this section of the digestive system.
The infusion has a choleretic effect, helps with cholelithiasis.
Note! Barberry calms mild depressive states. This is influenced by tannins, carotenoids and vitamin C. It can be used by people who have problems falling asleep and live in conditions of increased stress and tension.
It has a decongestant effect, reduces vascular permeability and prevents bleeding.
Barberry is an excellent drug for the treatment of conjunctivitis and inflammation of the eyelids, which can be used in the form of eye drops and compresses.
The berberine contained in the fruit is a good support in the treatment of diabetes. Thanks to its use, insulin secretion increases and insulin resistance decreases.
Regular intake of barberry helps lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides. This increases the level of good cholesterol. All foods that control cholesterol levels are good for the heart. They relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. Barberry is one such fruit.
Additional Information! Some studies prove that barberry has anti-cancer properties. Berberine is responsible for this – an alkaloid that suppresses the production of harmful radicals. Equally important is vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant. Slows down the formation of free radicals. They can successfully complement standard therapy.
Barberry stimulates the metabolism and therefore supports the process of losing weight.
During the procedure for weight loss, a decoction of barberry fruits stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, has a diuretic and mild laxative effect.
The use of barberry in cosmetics
Barberry has bactericidal properties, so it is recommended for people who are struggling with acne. The substances contained in it accelerate the healing of acne foci.
Due to the high content of vitamin C and flavonoids, barberry is often included in preparations aimed at eliminating skin pigmentation.
The plant is often used in the manufacture of tanning products, as it protects against the harmful effects of UV rays, is a natural blocker of UV radiation, and helps to heal sunburn.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that are responsible for skin aging and wrinkles. Therefore, the plant is used in the production of cosmetics for mature skin.
Barberry oil has anti-inflammatory, tonic and whitening properties. It can be added to creams, lotions, gels, face and body scrubs. Barberry essential oil should only be used diluted. You can use almond oil as a base.
A decoction of barberry fruits
1 st. pour a spoonful of crushed barberry fruits into 250 ml of boiling water and boil for 3 minutes.
After cooking, leave to cool. It is recommended to drink a decoction prepared in this way 2-3 times a day for a quarter cup, preferably immediately after meals. The daily dose should not exceed one glass. It can be drunk either hot or cold, depending on the preference of the patient.
Barberry in the kitchen
The plant can be successfully used in the kitchen. Juices, jams, marmalade are made from it.
Can be added to tinctures, liqueurs. Dried fruits can be used as an addition to oatmeal, muesli or smoothies. It is also worth adding them to more savory meat or fish dishes.
Precautionary measures
Barberry is useful, but it should be used in moderation and deliberately. It should not be consumed for a long time, because the berberine contained in it accumulates in the heart, liver and pancreas. High doses can be toxic: cause vomiting, diarrhea.
The berberine contained in it is excreted from the body for a long time. Excess alkaloid is deposited in the heart, liver and pancreas. Plants should not be eaten by children as they can cause nausea and vomiting.
