Borage Flowers

• Botanical Name(s): Borago Officinalis

• Popular Name(s): Burrage.

• Parts Used: Borage Flowers, Leaves, Seeds, and Oil are used

Habitat: Most parts of Europe.

Description: Borage has thick soft stems and large leaves, both of which are covered in fine bristly hairs. The flowers are star-shaped and a vivid sky blue, although an occasional pink bloom does appear (there is also a rare species with white flowers). The blooms are full of nectar and are a source of food for bees.

Uses: Borage is used internally for fevers, bronchial tract infections and mouth and throat infections. It helps with skin clearing and lightening, promoting healthy skin growth and acts as anti-inflammatory. It is also said to be a hormonal balancer. It is traditionally used as a diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant and is also used for depression, inflammation and as a mild sedative.Pliny the Roman historian, informs us that, the ancient Romans made use of the borage flowers to produce an elixir, which they used to lighten the spirits and raise confidence, this use of the plant to beat back depression was also common during the Elizabethan age in England, when melancholy was typically treated using a herbal concoction made from the borage.

Respiratory disorders of all kinds can be alleviated using herbal remedies made from the borage, this is because of the high content of plant mucilage, and due to this the borage acts as a demulcent. Inflammation in the skin and sores on the skin can be alleviated and treated as the borage also possesses useful herbal properties as an emollient, the borage is often prepared as freshly squeezed herbal juice, and it is also used in the form of a topical herbal poultice and in infusion form for easy ingestion by the patient. Borage leaves are known to have a diuretic property, at the same time, perspiration in the body is encouraged by the borage flowers - these excellent qualities possessed by the herb are utilized in a variety of herbal medications. Borage as a herb is also used for other purposes, notably for the preparation of seed oil, compared to seed oils of other herbs like the evening primrose, the seed oil of the borage is very rich in polyunsaturated fats and is superior to many other herb derived oils. Topical as well as internal problems are treated using the seed oil of the borage, disorders such as all kinds of premenstrual complaints, different types of rheumatic problems and problems such as eczema are treated using the seed oil of the borage.

Fevers can be alleviated using the borage based herbal remedies and herbal medicine makes extensive use of the borage in this respect as it possesses a calming and cooling effect on the body, which can rapidly decrease elevated body temperatures. Convalescing and recovering patients in many parts of Europe, have been traditionally treated using the herbal borage tea, this is drunk as a strengthening tonic for patients to regain their strength and boost their chances of recovery from disease or weakness. Different disorders have also been treated using the borage. It is suggested that individuals suffering from high blood pressure can benefit from taking herbal remedies made from the borage. Borage based herbal remedies are also excellent for the treatment of individuals suffering from nervous disorders such as excessive apprehension or persistent worry including mild to long term depression.

The detoxification of the body can also be accomplished by the herbal remedies made using the borage. In general, borage is a cleansing herb with cooling effects on the whole body, and because of this it may be used for the treatment of any disorder connected to congestion and excessive heat in the body of an individual. Perspiration in the body is also increased by the borage herb and the plant is known to have a very strong and distinct diuretic action in the body, it can accelerate the excretion of toxins in the body, through the pores on the skin and via the urine due to its diuretic property. Different kinds of skin problems, including all kinds of boils and bodily rashes can also be treated using the herbal tea made from the borage, the borage plant is also an excellent remedy for the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism in patients afflicted by these physical disorders, the borage is also excellent as a remedial measure during the onset of various infections and is an excellent herbal agent capable of quickly bringing down a fever affecting a person. Children specific eruptive diseases and disorders can also be treated using the herbal remedies made from the borage, these can be diseases such as measles and chickenpox, the remedy made from the borage is also used in the treatment of feverish colds, different coughs and the common flu in children. The respiratory system benefits from remedies of the borage, as the herb has a decongestant and expectorant property, it is therefore used in the effective treatment of conditions such as catarrh, it is used extensively in the treatment of sore throats and for the treatment of all types of infections in the chest region of the body. Irritations in the throat and the chest can be soothed and alleviated by the abundant mucilage present in the borage, this high mucilage content also enables the soothing of sores on the skin of affected patients. The borage also performs similar and very effective alleviating actions in the digestive system as well as the urinary system, for this reason, remedies based on the borage are very useful for the treatment of disorders such as persistent gastritis and problems such as the irritable bowel syndrome affecting patients. Milk production in nursing mothers is said to be promoted by consuming the leaves and seeds of the borage.

As an herbal heart tonic, the borage has a long and ancient reputation and was and is still used by many herbalists in this role. The herbal remedies made from the borage are said to be capable of soothing and reducing palpitations in the cardiac muscles and are attributed with a property of revitalizing the entire system in persons under convalescence, at the same time, the borage based herbal remedies are also used in the treatment of physical and emotional exhaustion in different individuals. As has already been mentioned, the herb is attributed with endowing courage and confidence in a person, the relaxing and soothing effect of the borage helps in quick relief from grief and sadness, for this reason it is used in the treatment of long term depression affecting many people. The adrenal glands are also said to be stimulated by the borage, and the herbal remedy is valued as it is said to effectively counter the effects of steroids and other substances in the body, it is believed to encourage the adrenal production of steroid hormones and is used as a helpful herb when weaning a person off steroid therapy - it thus has a natural hormonal stimulatory role in the body of the affected person. During the period of menopause in women, estrogen production is taken over by the adrenal glands and the borage is very effective and useful in the stimulation of this gland at this crucial juncture. The same properties possessed by the leaves are also induced by the gamma linoleic acid rich borage seeds.

Other medical uses: Lung cancer, Prostate cancer.

Culinary uses: Many culinary preparations can be made from different parts of the borage, you can spice up your favorite salad by adding the finely chopped flowers and fresh young leaves of the borage. The freshly plucked leaves and flowers of the borage can be steamed in a way similar to how spinach or Swiss chard is steamed. Soups can be prepared using the young leaves of the borage, the borage can also be used as a flavoring herb in yogurt, it can be added to curries, and used as a flavoring or spicy herb in many fish and chicken preparations. Borage can also be used to prepare a refreshing herbal tea by steeping about one tbsp, or 15 ml of crushed fresh leaves in 250 ml or a cup of boiling water. Strain the concoction and drink as and when needed. As a garnish, the borage flowers can be added to cool summer drinks by adding the flowers to the drink as floral floats, cold punch can also be made pretty and presentable by floating some borage flowers on it. The flowers of the borage can also be caramelized and used in the decoration of various cakes and ice cream for consumption as deserts.

Craft uses: Floral arrangements can be made more pleasing by including the pretty flowers of the borage.

Bobea

• Botanical Name(s): Ceanothus americanus

• Popular Name(s): New Jersey Tea, Wild Snowball, Jersey Tea, Mountain-Sweet, Red Root, Walpole Tea

• Parts Used: Root or bark of the root

• Habitat: Bobea is found in North America.

Description: Bobea is a small, deciduous shrub with a round, slender, reddish stem and grows to a height of 0.5-3 m. Its root is red inside and brownish or reddish on the outer side. The shrub bears alternate, ovate or oblong-ovate, finely serrate leaves that are dull green on top and finely hairy beneath. Its small white flowers grow in long- stalked clusters.

Uses: Bobea has astringent, antispasmodic and anti-syphilitic properties. It is used as an expectorant and sedative. It curesasthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping-cough and dysentery. It is used as a mouth-wash also.

Black Stinking Horehound

• Botanical Name(s): Ballota Nigra

• Popular Name(s): Marrubium Nigrum, Black Stinking Horehound

• Parts Used: Herb

• Habitat: Black Horehound grows wildly throughout Europe.

Description: Black Horehound possesses a perennial root of a woody and fibrous nature. Its leaves are arranged in pairs on the stem, each pair being at right angles to the pair it succeeds. They are stalked, with margins coarsely serrate and dull green in colour. Its flowers are arranged in more or less dense whorls at the axils of the leaves and are generally white in colour.

Uses: Black Horehound has antispasmodic and anti-emetic properties. It is used as an emmenagogue, astringent and vermifuge substance. Black Horehound is an excellent remedy for the settling of nausea and vomiting.

Black Haw

• Botanical Name(s): Viburnum opulus

• Popular Name(s): Snowball Tree, King's Crown, High Cranberry, Red Elder, Rose Elder, Water Elder, May Rose, Silver Bells, Gaitre Berries, Black Haw, Guelder Rose

• Parts Used: Bark

• Habitat: Cramp Bark is found in Europe and America.

Description: Cramp Bark is a deciduous shrub growing up to 4-5 m in height. Its leaves are opposite, three-lobed and are 5-10 cm in length. Its white flowers are produced at the top of its stems in corymbs of 4-11 cm in diameter. Each corymb possesses a ring of outer sterile flowers which are 1.5 - 2 cm in diameter. The outer ring surrounds a center of small, fertile flowers. Its fruits are in the form of globose bright red drupes, 7-10 mm in diameter and contain single seeds.

Uses: Cramp Bark is used as anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, astringent and emmenagogue. It relaxes the uterus and relieves the painful cramps associated with periods. Its astringent action prevents excessive blood loss in periods.

Black Horehound

• Botanical Name(s): Ballota Nigra

• Popular Name(s): Marrubium Nigrum, Black Stinking Horehound

• Parts Used: Herb

• Habitat: Black Horehound grows wildly throughout Europe.

Description: Black Horehound possesses a perennial root of a woody and fibrous nature. Its leaves are arranged in pairs on the stem, each pair being at right angles to the pair it succeeds. They are stalked, with margins coarsely serrate and dull green in colour. Its flowers are arranged in more or less dense whorls at the axils of the leaves and are generally white in colour.

Uses: Black Horehound has antispasmodic and anti-emetic properties. It is used as an emmenagogue, astringent and vermifuge substance. Black Horehound is an excellent remedy for the settling of nausea and vomiting.

Black Ginger

• Botanical Name(s): Zingiber Officinale

• Popular Name(s): Ginger, Ardrakam, Shunthi, Adrak, Sunth, Black Ginger, Race Ginger, African Ginger.

• Parts Used: Zingiberaceae

• Habitat: South East Asia and throughout India

Description: Ginger is a perennial root. In tuberous joints, it creeps and increases in size keeping itself under the ground. In spring, the root sends up a green reed, like a stalk, 2 feet high, with narrow lanceolate leaves. The flowering stalk rises from the root and ends up in an oblong scallop spike. Ginger produces flower buds which are white and pink in colour and bloom into yellow flowers

Uses: Ginger is used as a stimulant and as a carminative agent. Its young roots are juicy and fleshy with a very mild taste. Ginger is used as a flavouring agent. The flowers have an aromatic smell but the root is the most useful part of the plant. Ginger is used to cure alcoholic gastritis and diarrhoea. Ginger Tea is a hot infusion, very useful to cold. It helps in indigestion and in alcoholic gastritis also.HISTORY and USES

Ginger is original from Southeast Asia and is now cultivated in most tropical countries. Its citations in ancient texts go back to the 4th century B.C. The Greeks imported it from the East centuries before Discorides recorded its use in the 1st century A.D. Familiar as a spice and flavoring, ginger is also one of the world's best medicines. The Chinese consider ginger as an important drug to treat cold and encourage sweating. Ginger brings relief to digestion, stimulates circulation, reduce headaches and kill intestinal parasites.

One of the main benefits of the herbal ginger remedy is its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. The herb also helps in bringing an increased flow of blood to the surface of the skin; this singular property makes the ginger a very important herbal remedy for the treatment of conditions such as chilblains and to treat impaired circulation along the hands and feet of patients. The herb also effectively helps in controlling elevated or high blood pressure as it directly affects the circulation of blood. Perspiration in the body is increased by remedies made from the ginger and at the same time, the herb helps in bringing about a reduction in elevated body temperature during fevers.

Herbal remedies made from the ginger have a warming and soothing effect and help alleviate persistent coughs, all kinds of colds and flu, and other related problems of the respiratory system.

In China the fresh ginger and the dried ginger are used as two distinct and different herbal remedies. The Chinese system of medicine suggest the use of fresh ginger for the treatment of fevers, to treat headaches, and to alleviate the pain and discomfort of aching muscles in the body. At the same time, the dried ginger remedy is used for the treatment of internal colds, and for physical symptoms such as cold and clammy hands, a weakening of the pulse rate, and a pale or white complexion in patients.

The effectiveness of a hot ginger compress on various topically treated disorders cannot be compared to other herbal compresses, ginger compresses are used to treat muscular aches and pains, they are used in the treatment of joint stiffness, in the topical alleviation of abdominal cramps, in the treatment of kidney stone attacks, to treat stiffness in the neck, to treat neuralgia in different parts of the body. The ginger compresses can also topically treat toothache, they can be applied on the external body to treat bladder inflammation, they can be used in the treatment of prostatitis and extreme tension in the body. At the same time, disorders such as nausea, accumulated intestinal gas, and colic can also be treated using herbal remedies made from the ginger. Cases of motion sickness in women and especially, pregnancy related morning sickness can be treated using ginger remedies. The antiseptic qualities of the ginger endow it with great and extremely beneficial effects to deal with all manners of gastrointestinal infections; the remedy can effectively treat certain types of food poisoning as well. As with all herbal remedies and despite its effectiveness, bear in mind that a lot of time, significant effort, a lot of patience and a changed lifestyle on the part of the patient are requirements to make the treatment a complete success.

The value of the ginger as an herbal medication lies in its pungent and warming properties - which are essential to treat a lot of conditions. The herbal remedies made from the ginger have a very stimulating effect on the functioning of the heart and the circulation of blood in the body, the ginger helps in creating a feeling of warmth and well-being. The herb restores vitality and physical fitness; ginger is particularly effective in those individuals, who tend to deal badly with the cold during winter. Perspiration in the body is promoted by drinking the hot ginger tea, this tea also helps in reducing elevated temperatures during a fever and it helps in clearing away catarrh in the body. The remedies made from the ginger have a stimulating effect and affect an expectorant action inside the lungs, this result in the clearing of phlegm and helps relieve catarrhal coughs and related chest infections in different patients. The digestion is also aided by herbal remedies made from the ginger as the herb has a wonderful warming effect over the digestive system. The intestines as well as the stomach is invigorated by herbal remedies made from the ginger, the ginger herbal remedies also help in the stimulation of a weak appetite and at the same time, they enhance the process of digestion - the ginger encourages secretion of different digestive enzymes inside the stomach. The stagnation of food particles in the intestinal tract and the consequent accumulation of metabolic toxins can be cleared away using herbal remedies made from the ginger. The action of the ginger based remedies thus tend to have a very far-reaching effect in the body of patients, and this result in a beneficial increase in the general health and vitality of the person - besides obviously enhancing the total immunity of the body. The ability of the ginger to alleviate nausea and vomiting is famous, and whatever the cause, such sensations are easily dispensed with when the ginger remedies are used by the affected individuals. The herbal remedies made from the ginger also help in settling the stomach; it aids in soothing the symptoms associated with indigestion and helps in calming wind and flatulence. The relaxing and pain-relieving effects of the ginger are particularly relevant to disorders in the gut, where the remedy aids in relieving colic and spasms, it helps soothe abdominal pain, it helps the person in dealing with abdominal distension and flatulent indigestion. Ginger also helps in relieving griping induced by the presence of diarrhea due to infection. Menstruation is promoted by ginger, and the remedy is also useful in dealing with various other disorders affecting the uterus, the ginger remedy is also very effective in alleviating delayed or scanty periods as well as blood clots associated with the menstrual cycle. In women, remedies made from the ginger can be used to help relax the muscular spasms and in relieving the pain present during ovulation and during menstrual periods. Remedies made from the ginger are recommended as an herbal tonic to invigorate the reproductive system as a whole by many herbalists. The clotting and thinning of blood is also inhibited by remedies made from the ginger. The ginger remedies also help in lowering the elevated blood pressure and can help individuals with high cholesterol problems. Ginger remedies have a tendency to heat up the body and due to this effect, herbalist suggest that individuals who do not tolerate heat well, such as people with gastritis or peptic ulcers avoid the remedies made from ginger.

Main Properties: Diaphoretic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, inhibits coughing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.

Black Cohosh

• Botanical Name(s): Cimicifuga Racemosa

• Popular Name(s): Black snakeroot, bugbane, squawroot, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed, rattlesnale's root, richweed, Black Cohosh,Cimicifuga, Sheng Ma, Chinese black Cohosh

• Parts Used: Root

• Habitat: Black Cohosh is a shrub-like plant native to the eastern deciduous forests of North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Georgia, north to Wisconsin and West to Arkansas.

Description: Black Cohosh is a stately perennial, 3-8 feet tall, topped by a long plume of white flowers (June-September). The leaves are large and pinnate compound; the leaflets are irregularly shaped with toothed edges.

Uses: Black Cohosh is also used to relieve menstrual cramps and the mood swings of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The primary traditional use of black cohosh has been as a relaxant, sedative and antispasmodic. Native Americans have traditionally used remedies made from the black cohosh for treating problems faced exclusively by women, since most of these were gynecological symptoms, and hence the black cohosh was aptly called "squawroot" by most Native Americans. The treatment of gynecological symptoms such as menstrual pain and other female problems which results in the excess progesterone production, and other menopausal symptoms, particularly the hot flashes, symptoms of debility, and depression are all treated using the herbal remedies made from the black cohosh.

In Europe, the herbal remedies made from the black cohosh are normally prescribed in the treatment of various conditions related to women. These problems can include the physical symptoms which come along with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), the symptoms associated with dysmenorrheal, and those coming along with menopause in the women. The affects of the black cohosh and its abilities include an action similar to the female hormone estrogen, the ability to bind to the estrogenic receptors within the body, and the full suppression of luteinizing hormones in the female body. Patients have also reported the occasional successful treatment of stomach pain or the treatment of intestinal discomfort through the use of the black cohosh. Black cohosh has not been successful in the treatment of mutagenicity, teratogenicity, and carcinogenicity in all studies conducted to prove this potential, for example, a six month long study on the chronic toxicity in rats treated using black cohosh, at almost ninety times the human dose - failed to prove any effective remedial action. At this time, the need for further studies on the black cohosh as a potential cure for the mentioned illness will not be helpful and are unnecessary.

Some disorders such as inflammatory arthritis are treatable using the black cohosh and this have been confirmed again and again, the positive treatment and cure from such problems is true particularly when the disorder is associated with menopause and its related conditions. The black cohosh is also a proven and very effective remedy against all rheumatic problems, including such severe disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis - especially when it is used for long periods of time and on a regular basis.

The value of the black cohosh is also apparent in its sleep inducing and sedative action, indeed the treatment of a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure and tinnitus - persistent ringing in the ears - is possible using the black cohosh. The herbal remedies of the black cohosh and its peculiar properties are also effective against whooping cough and asthma and their associated physical symptoms

Birthroot

• Botanical Name(s): Trillium Pendulum

• Popular Name(s): Indian Shamrock, Birthroot, Lamb's Quarters, Wake-Robin, Indian Balm, Ground Lily

• Parts Used: The root, rhizome and leaves

• Habitat: Beth root is found in Middle and Western United States.

Description: Beth root is a perennial herb with an erect stem which gains a height from 10 to 15 inches. The plant bears a whorl of three round-ovate, acuminate leaves. Its flowers appear in May and June and are yellow-white to reddish-white in colour.

Uses: Beth root has antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic properties. It is used as an emmenagogue, expectorant and tonic. Its leaves are used to cure ulcers and tumours. The roots are effective in curing diarrhoea and dysentery.Trillium goes by several names. The origins of some, such as "bethroot" and "wake robin", are not well known. The word "trillium" is related to the word for "three" in Latin, Greek, and other languages, corresponding to the plant's three leaves. Perhaps "wake robin" comes from the red color of certain species, or perhaps because the flower blooms in spring when robins abound. The nickname" Stinking Benjamin" derives from the distinctive and unpleasant odor of the flower, which is likened to the smell of rotting meat. Whatever the plant's name, Native Americans from throughout the continent made tea from trillium or boiled the greens to eat. Trillium was also a charm to foretell love, to detect witchcraft, to protect the teeth, and give general good luck.

The name "birthroot" (trillium) signals the most famous use of this plant. Native Americans and European settlers in North America used trillium to help with the labor of childbirth. Other gynecologically related symptoms trillium was used to relieve included menstrual problems, sore nipples, and discomforts of menopause. Trillium is still employed for many of these same symptoms, as well as for bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. Trillium was also used internally for bowel complaints and externally for headaches, sunburn, acne, and boils. Trillium contains the saponin trillin, tannin, and some essential oil.

Trillium is a valuable remedy for heavy menstrual or intermenstrual bleeding, helping to reduce blood flow. Trillium is also used to treat bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. Trillium may also be taken for bleeding within the urinary tubules and, less often, for the coughing up of blood. Trillium remains a valuable herb in facilitating childbirth. A douche of trillium is useful for excessive vaginal discharge and yeast infections.

Birch

• Botanical Name(s): Betula Alba.

• Popular Name(s): White Birch, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Birch (white).

• Parts Used: The leaves and bark are used.

• Habitat: It is a native of Northern U.S, Canada and Northern Europe.

Description: It has white bark, which can be peeled off in horizontal strips. Its leaves are chordate, bright green above and lighter beneath, serrate, and hairy. Both male and female trees bear flowers; but only the female will bear seed cones. It has drooping branches and peeling bark and grows about 10 - 25 meters in height.

Uses: It is used for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, arteriosclerosis, water retention, cystitis, kidney stones, fevers, as well as skin eruptions. It is used with great success to help with psoriasis and eczema. The astringent effect of the sap also helps to tone the skin and has a positive effect on increasing skin elasticity. In hair care products, it is most useful to combat oily and greasy hair and also acts as a general conditioner to the hair.

Betula Lenta

• Botanical Name(s): Betula lenta

• Popular Name(s): Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch, Mahogany Birch, Mountain Mahogany, Spice Birch

• Parts Used: Inner bark and twigs

• Habitat: Black Birch is native to eastern North America.

Description: Black Birch is a deciduous tree growing up to a height of 20 m. Its twigs, when scraped, have a strong scent of oil of wintergreen. The leaves are pointed, alternate, ovate, 5-10 cm in length and 4-8 cm in breadth. The male trees bear flowers about 3 inches long. Female catkins produce flowers about 1 inch long. It fruits are composed of numerous tiny winged seeds which are packed between the catkin bracts.

Uses: Black Birch has anthelmintic, astringent and diuretic properties. A tea made from the inner bark is used as a mouthwash and in diarrhoea, rheumatism, gout and boils. It purifies the blood also.

Betula Alba

• Botanical Name(s): Betula Alba.

• Popular Name(s): White Birch, Canoe Birch, Paper Birch, Birch (white).

• Parts Used: The leaves and bark are used.

• Habitat: It is a native of Northern U.S, Canada and Northern Europe.

Description: It has white bark, which can be peeled off in horizontal strips. Its leaves are chordate, bright green above and lighter beneath, serrate, and hairy. Both male and female trees bear flowers; but only the female will bear seed cones. It has drooping branches and peeling bark and grows about 10 - 25 meters in height.

Uses: It is used for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, arteriosclerosis, water retention, cystitis, kidney stones, fevers, as well as skin eruptions. It is used with great success to help with psoriasis and eczema. The astringent effect of the sap also helps to tone the skin and has a positive effect on increasing skin elasticity. In hair care products, it is most useful to combat oily and greasy hair and also acts as a general conditioner to the hair.

Berberis Vulgaris

Berberis Vulgaris

• Botanical Name(s): Berberis Vulgaris

• Popular Name(s): Berberry, Berberberis, Jaundice Berry, and Common Barberry.

• Parts Used: The fresh and dried fruits are used.

• Habitat: Native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America.

Description: Deciduous scrubby herb with gray-yellow grooved stem and yellow roots, which bears 3-pronged spines and toothed leaves, with yellow flowers followed by oval red fruits.

Uses: Barberry is traditionally used as a liver tonic and for detoxification and the root bark has some very good liver stimulant properties, which increase liver functioning and to treat gallstones. Barberry has a high concentration of berberine, which has remarkable disease and infection fighting properties. Berberine stimulates the macrophages (white blood cells that devour microorganisms) and is an excellent immune system boosterBarberry acts on the gallbladder to improve bile flow and ameliorate conditions such as gallbladder pain, gallstones, and jaundice. Barberry's strongly antiseptic property is of value in cases of amebic dysentery, cholera, and other similar gastrointestinal infections. Barberry is also thought to have a positive effect on the liver and is prescribed by herbalists for hepatitis. The bark is astringent, antidiarrheal, and healing to the intestinal wall - in short, barberry has a strong, highly beneficial effect on the digestive system as a whole. Like oregon grape (B. aquifolium) and goldenseal (Hydras is canadensis), barberry helps in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The decoction makes a gentle and effective wash for the eyes, although it must be diluted sufficiently before use. It can be used in medical uses as Homeopathy, Colorectal cancer, Liver cancer, Strep throat, Toxic shock syndrom