forage for barberrys Egypt it is still used for fevers associated with pestilence

there a bitch to collect though
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Barberry General Information
Native to Europe and the British Isles, naturalized in North America, this herb flowers in April and May. A common garden bush, a deciduous shrub that grows in hard gravelly soil in the North Eastern states and on an occasion in the rich soils of the Western states. The root is yellow and has a bitter taste. The stems, growing from 3 to 8 ft high are reddish when young but turn a darker gray when older. The leaves are oval and have a soft bristly point. The bright oblong berries are red and ripen in August and September. They should only be eaten when ripe for an agreeable acid taste.


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Barberry Use in Ancient Times
In ancient times, Egyptian pharaohs and queens took Barberry with fennel seed to ward off the plague. In Egypt it is still used for fevers associated with pestilence. The Barberry is called “Holy Thorn” in Italy for it is what they believed to be wrapped in Christ’s thorns he wore around his skull. Early physicians thought the yellow wood of common Barberry could most likely be used for jaundice. They believed this on the basis of a theory called the doctrine of signatures, which held that a plant's appearance or other characteristics were a sign of the type of disease or injury it would cure. Native American Indians used this herb in cases of general debility and to improve the appetite. The colonists used the root as a bitter
tonic. In traditional folk medicine, Barberry is used to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve
upset stomach, and increase energy.

[link to www.herbalremedies.com]

Overview:
Medicinal use of barberry dates back more than 2,500 years, and it has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor as well as a sense of well-being. Today, it is widely used for medicinal purposes in Iran, including for biliary disorders (such as gallbladder disease) and heartburn.

Barberry and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) are often used for similar medicinal purposes because both herbs contain the chemical berberine. Berberine has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in test tubes, and also may help the immune system function better. The aqueous extract of barberry has beneficial effects on both the cardiovascular and neural system. As such, it may be useful in the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsions.

Infection and skin disorders

Barberry is used to ease inflammation and infection of the urinary (bladder and urinary tract infections), gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts (sore throat, nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis) as well as candida (yeast) infections of the skin or vagina. Barberry extract may also improve symptoms of certain skin conditions including psoriasis, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Diarrhea

Barberry may also be an effective treatment for diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea caused by food poisoning). A few studies have suggested that barberry improves symptoms faster than antibiotics, perhaps because it has astringent properties, but that antibiotics may be more effective at killing bacteria in the intestines. Because of the serious consequences associated with bacterial diarrhea, if barberry is used to ease symptoms, it is best to take the herb along with standard antibiotic therapy.

Plant Description:
Barberry is a shrub with gray, thorny branches that can grow to about 9 feet tall. Bright yellow flowers bloom between the months of April and June and become dark, drooping bunches of red berries in the fall. The root, bark, and berries are used for medicinal purposes.

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Barberry Uses & Scientific Evidence For
Today Barberry is used for treating gallbladder disease, heartburn and indigestion, and diarrhea. It is also used for treating dysentery and hepatitis. This herb can also be used to treat infections, eczema, parasites, psoriasis, and vaginitis. Barberry is known to decrease heart rate, slow breathing, and reduce bronchial congestion as well. Barberry has been used in treating colorectal cancer, liver cancer, strep throat, and toxic shock syndrome though there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating those conditions. This herb is also a remedy that corrects liver function and promotes the flow of bile. In eye drops, Barberry works well for eliminating bloodshot eyes. Barberry has a high concentration of Berberine, which has remarkable disease and infection fighting properties. Berberine stimulates white blood cells that devour microorganisms and is an excellent immune system booster. The alkaloids also have mild anticonvulsant, antibacterial, sedative, and uterine-stimulant properties and produce a hypotensive effect. The bark has astringent and anti-diarrheal properties. Research has shown that the Barberry when used in a gargle form can help the mouth and throat irritation and strengthen the gums.


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Barberry Dosage Information
For digestive problems, Barberry is often combined with other bitter herbs, such as Gentian in tincture form. They should be taken 15 to 20 minutes before a meal, usually 2–5 ml each time. If using a tincture, take 2–3 ml of Barberry 3 times per day. Extracts standardized to contain 5-10% alkaloids, with a total of approximately 500 mg of berberine is the recommended dosage for preventing infections; however, goldenseal is a more common source with a higher concentration of berberine. To use as a topical ointment, an extract with 10% Barberry can be applied 3 times a day for psoriasis. For tea, use 2 g of Barberry in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink 1 cup 2 to 3 times a day.


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Barberry Safety & Interaction Information
Standardized Barberry extracts can cause stomach upset and should be used for no more than 2 weeks at a time. Exceeding berberine intake could cause lethargy, nosebleed, skin and eye irritation, and kidney irritation. Young children, particularly infants, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease should not use barberry. Pregnant women should not take Barberry because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. If you are taking Doxycycline or Tetracycline, consult with your physician before taking Barberry. Men who have problems in fathering a child should not use Barberry; it could interfere with the growing of sperm cells, which may contribute to sterility.