Tonic, laxative (mild), antiseptic, refrigerant, bitter astringent, antacid, diuretic, resolvent, stomachic, cholagogue, purgative (large dose).

Berries: Refrigerant, astringent, antiscorbutic (contains citric and malic acids). This is one of nature's greatest and most valuable medicinal herbs and is a famous Indian remedy. It is probably unequaled as a corrector of river secretions (causes the bile to flow more freely), and it expels and removes morbid, waste matter from the stomach and bowels. It is an excellent tonic for delicate and weakly people (particularly good for delicate and weak children), building from anemia and general malnutrition to complete recovery in just a few weeks. It regulates the digestive system, lessens the size of the spleen, and removes obstructions in the intestinal tract.

(Berberis vulgaris) European barberry, jaundice berry, pepperidge bush, sowberry

A deciduous shrub. The roots are yellow on the outside. The bark is bitter. Leaves are obovate. Stems are from 3-8 feet high, reddish when young, a dirty gray when older. The bright red, oblong berries grow along spiny, grooved branches and have an acid but agreeable taste. Should only be eaten when ripe. Found throughout eastern and central U.S. in hard, gravely or rich soils. Other species are found throughout the northern and western U.S.

The berries have an acid but agreeable taste and should only be eaten when ripe. They can be preserved or pickled. Bark of the root is hepatic. The berries are historically used as a laxative and a refrigerant, and historically used for reducing fevers. The fresh juice is historically used to strengthen gums. A decoction of either the berries or bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations. The stem, bark and root are anti-bacterial, historically used to improve liver action, liver problems, including alcohol abuse. Bark from the stem dilates blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure. Avoid barberry when pregnant.