Oregon Grape Root – Herb of The Week

Oregon Grape Root – Herb of The Week

Mahonia aquifolium is also known as Oregon Grape Root. This herb has a history of use in treating inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects your skin. Its main symptoms are scaly patches that appear red or silvery-white.

Mahonia aquifolium contains berberine, which may help to suppress some of the inflammation that psoriasis causes. The stem and leaves can be ground into a powder or distilled into a liquid tincture.

The plant also has antiproliferative effects, which means it can slow down the growth of skin cells which helps with psoriasis because the condition causes the skin cells to divide too rapidly, which leads to scaly skin and plaques.

The primary medicinal component of Oregon grape, berberine, has also been shown to have anti-bacterial properties that are helpful in the treatment of several infections including, throat, intestinal, and urinary tract infections.

Most of the published clinical research studies on Oregon grape involved the use of the root of the herb.

Certain medicines may interact with Oregon grape and may interfere with the body’s ability to break down some types of medications in the liver.

Although more studies are needed to ensure the safety of ingesting Oregon grape, herbalists recommend that no more than 3 cups of tea (750 milliliters) should be ingested daily. 

Oregon grape is used as a tincture, which is a created by soaking the fresh or dried herb for several weeks in alcohol and is usually given in a dosage of 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon (3 ml) and taken three times per day.

Anyone taking prescription medication should consult with the healthcare provider before taking Oregon grape Root.