Common barberry is an evergreen shrub native to Europe. The stems, bright red berries and bark of the plant contain the alkaloid berberine, which has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, sedative and hypotensive properties.
Barberry history
Since ancient times, barberry has been cultivated for its bright and salty fruits. Berries were used to decorate dishes, make refreshing jellies from them, and serve them candied, like other fruits. The French city of Rouen was famous for its excellent barberry jam. Since the shrub is generously covered with thorns, it was planted in the form of a hedge, from which there was a double benefit - the thorns protected from invasion, and the fruits, bark and leaves of the bush served culinary and medicinal purposes.
Ancient Arab doctors found barberry useful for diarrhea and fever, in India it was believed that preparations from the root and bark of this plant help with psoriasis. The Chinese considered barberry to be a plant, the regular consumption of the fruit of which leads to a long and healthy life. The Egyptians drank diluted barberry juice for the plague fever.
The great Galen believed that barberry is good for the eyes. European medieval herbalists, following the theory of "treat like with like", found the yellow root of barberry similar to the icteric skin tone of patients with liver problems and treated them with infusions based on this plant. The bright scarlet berries of the barberry were considered beneficial for women who lose a lot of blood during menstruation. Many of the properties attributed to barberry in antiquity were later scientifically proven.
Barberry berries are rich in vitamin C.
The use of barberry in modern medicine
Modern medicine recognizes the benefits of common barberry in the fight against a whole series of ailments. Berries promote excellent digestion and relieve gastrointestinal pain. Tea is prepared from the roots of barberry, which promotes the outflow of bile and the proper functioning of the liver.
Bark and dried berries are brewed as a diuretic, strengthening and immunostimulating agent. This infusion is effective against bladder infections. Jelly, juice or jam from barberry berries will help you relieve the symptoms of sinusitis, bronchitis, and help fight sore throat and nasal congestion. Ointments and tinctures from different parts of barberry are effective for various skin diseases.
In traditional modern medicine, barberry is included in tablets, tinctures, drops and ointments.
Contraindications
Barberry is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can stimulate uterine contraction and cause premature miscarriage, it is also not recommended for lactating women. Before you start using barberry for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor.
Barberry in cooking
Cook jams and preserves from barberry berries, add them to tartlets and cakes to add a slightly sour note to the dish. Add dried barberry to meat, especially chicken dishes, to give them an oriental flavor. Barberry is often included in pilaf recipes, especially Iranian ones. In Russia, lollipops are still produced "Barberry", which include the juice of the berries of the same name.
