Oregon Grape

Evergreen shrub native to wooded slopes in British Columbia and into the northwestern U.S. Mainly used for skin complains such as psoriasis, acne and eczema, as the roots are considered to be “blood purifying”, which may be due to its action on the liver. Benefits digestion, useful for constipation, relieves rheumatism. Like goldenseal and barberry, Oregon grape contains berberine, a potent antimicrobial that works especially well for antibiotic resistant infections, by disabling certain antibiotic resistant strategies employed by pathogens. Was even described by early medical doctors as a remedy against syphilis. Typically prepared as a tincture or infusion.