Barberry has about four hundred and fifty species and belongs to evergreen thorny bushes. Popularly, barberry is called sour lemon, because its berries have a very sour taste.
In ancient times, barberry was considered a plant that brings happiness, good luck and gives youth, therefore, various souvenirs and art products are made from barberry wood, which are given or kept at home. Red ink is also made from barberry.
Barberry also belongs to medicinal plants. In ancient times, it was a blood purifier. The leaves of the plant contain alkaloids that lower blood pressure and stop uterine bleeding. For cholelithiasis, chronic hepatitis, barberry tincture is used. Leaves and bark are rich in vitamin C, malic and citric acid.
Jelly, marmalade, juice, kvass are prepared from barberry berries. The barberry is dried, ground and obtained a wonderful seasoning for rice and lamb. Barberry is a melliferous plant. Barberry honey is yellow in color and endowed with medicinal properties.
Common barberry is used as an ornamental shrub or green fence. Thanks to easy pruning, you can give the bush any shape. Barberry in the process of flowering gives off a very fragrant smell and, although the berries are not poisonous, the birds do not eat them. Juice from berries has the ability to remove toxins and is considered a body cleaner.
With rheumatism, liver diseases, it is useful to use barberry berries. Scientists have come to the conclusion that barberry contains a substance that can fight alcohol and tobacco addiction. The dried leaves can be used in winter to make vitamin tea. People who consume barberry every day feel cheerful and full of energy.
