Description: The berries are regarded as a bitter tonic and are apparently used as alterative, antibacterial, antibilious, antiemetic, antiinflammatory, antiperiodic, antiseptic, astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, immune stimulant, laxative, purgative (large dose), refrigerant, sedative and stomachic. The berries are a source of vitamin C. In various metabolic processes, vitamin C increases immune system activity, stimulates iron absorption, and prevents scurvy. They are useful in biliousness, constipation (larger doses), dyspepsia, cough, fevers, hypertension, indigestion, liver malfunctions, hepatitis, sore throat, spleen disorders and typhoid. The berberine in the berries have remarkable infection-fighting properties. Berberine may also fight infection by stimulating the immune system. Studies show that it activates macrophages, the white blood cells that devour harmful microorganisms.

The root is antiinflammatory, blood purifier and sedative. Useful in weakness of eyesight, jaundice, blood disorders and anuria. The root bark extract (Rassaut) is alterative, antiperiodic, astringent, deobstruent, diaphoretic, febrifuge, laxative and tonic and is very useful in periodic neuralgia, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, haemorrhoids and ulcers. It reduces blood pressure. It is as valuable as quinine in malarial fevers and as a blood purifier.

Recommended Dosage: Root : 3 to 5 g powder; Root Bark Extract : 3 g powder; Berries : 1 g powder.

Contraindication: This herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.