The healing properties of barberry have been known for a long time. It is widely used in official and folk medicine in the fight against various ailments, in cooking, dietetics and even cosmetology.
For medicinal purposes, all parts of the barberry are used: berries, leaves, bark and even the root. The fruits of the plant are rich in carotene, tartaric, citric and malic acids, tannins, mineral salts, vitamins (vitamins C and K are considered predominant), coloring and pectin substances.
There are 11 alkaloids in the root system of this medicinal plant: berberrubine, palmitin, oxyacanthin, leontin and others. In the bark, however, there are coloring, resinous and tannins. Barberry leaves are rich in essential oils, vitamins (vitamins C and E are in the lead), tannins, resins and malic acid. In addition, the alkaloid berberine is present in all parts of this plant (this active ingredient enhances the secretion of bile, accelerates the contraction of the heart muscle, and also has a stimulating effect on the muscles of the uterus).
Barberry is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as during lactation.
Due to such a diverse composition, barberry is used as a diuretic, choleretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent agent. Also, preparations made on the basis of this medicinal plant are used to stop bleeding, strengthen the walls of capillaries and for gastritis with low acidity.
To stop uterine bleeding, a tincture is prescribed, prepared according to the following recipe, for which you need to take 20 g of dry barberry leaves and 50 ml of 70% alcohol. The leaves are poured into a dark glass container, poured with alcohol, after which the dishes are tightly corked and placed in a dark room for 2 weeks (all this time the temperature in the room should be 22 ° C - 24 ° C). When the composition acquires a dark yellow color, it is filtered. They drink the drug 15-20 drops three times a day.
You should not self-medicate: it is better to take medicines made on the basis of this medicinal plant after consulting your doctor. In this case, the dosage must be strictly observed.
A decoction made from the following components has a choleretic and antipyretic effect: 35-40 g of chopped fruits and a glass of water. The raw materials are poured with freshly boiled water and the container with the mixture is placed on low heat for 30 minutes. Next, filter the broth and dilute with cold boiled water to the original volume. Take this drug 50 ml three times a day.
In addition, barberry is widely used in cosmetology: in the fight against freckles and age spots, to give the skin of the face freshness and elasticity, strengthen hair, in the fight against dandruff, etc.
The mask has a rejuvenating effect, which contains the following ingredients: 4 tbsp. barberry berries, 1 tbsp. sour cream, 1 tbsp. wheat flour and a small green apple. The latter is peeled from the core and skin, and then ground in a blender. Applesauce is mixed with chopped barberry, sour cream and flour. The prepared skin is covered with this gruel and the mask is left for 13-15 minutes. Wash off the anti-aging agent with chamomile broth or brewed green tea. Such procedures can be performed twice a week.
