Barberry: The ancient remedy making a health comeback
The medicinal properties of this shrub have been known since the Middle Ages. Infusions made from the leaves and fruits, along with poultices from the bark and roots, were used to treat malaria and jaundice. In 17th-century England, these remedies were employed for liver diseases. The fruits, resembling elongated red berries, are called the lemon of the North because 100 grams contain as much as 80 mg of vitamin C.
Barberry grows naturally on the edges of Polish mixed forests. This unassuming shrub is nearly entirely used for health applications. The leaves, fruits, roots, and bark all contain berberine—an alkaloid that alleviates digestive ailments and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. An infusion from barberry leaves can also counteract diabetes and aid in sleep.
When to collect barberry leaves and fruits?
This thorny shrub often appears in parks as an ornamental plant. Beautiful yellow flowers bloom in May and June, signaling that barberry leaves can be harvested. In the fall, the flowers transform into very sour, red fruits. These fruits can be collected when fully ripe, between late August and early September.
The fruits and leaves are excellent for drying. In this form, they are most commonly available in stores and pharmacies.
How to use barberry?
An infusion of barberry leaves provides immediate relief from digestive system discomfort. It soothes stomach pains and helps reduce the feeling of fullness, which often occurs after consuming a large amount of cabbage and legumes. It can offer relief after a Christmas Eve dinner, where it is hard to resist dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms or cabbage with peas. It is recommended for people struggling with a lack of appetite, liver disease, and gallstones.
How to prepare the infusion?
For one cup of infusion, you need 1 teaspoon of dried material—you can brew fruits or leaves. Pour hot water (200-210 degrees Fahrenheit) over them and leave covered for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the infuser with the dried material or strain the infusion through a sieve. The drink can be consumed 2-3 times a day, half a cup each time.
Who should be cautious about barberry?
Consuming an infusion of barberry fruits and leaves is healthy; however, in children and pregnant women, it may cause nausea or diarrhea. Due to a lack of studies, breastfeeding women should also avoid drinking barberry. Although the infusion helps maintain liver health, individuals diagnosed with liver disease or those on permanent medication should consult a doctor.
Not only infusions but also tinctures and preserves
Barberry fruits can also be used when preparing homemade preserves. The vitamin C-rich berries are excellent in jams, marmalades, and juices. They can be used to make homemade beverages, such as wine, liqueurs, or cordials. In the Caucasus, ground dried fruits are used to season meat, fish, and sauces.
