Botanical Name:
Berberis fremontii, B. haematocarpa
Family:
Berberidaceae
The botany world goes back and forth with some of its labels. The plants don’t change; just the names. Berberis and Mahonia are sometimes the same and sometimes different. For the community herbalist, their uses are quite similar.
Common Names:
Texans I know refer to this genus as Algerita and Michael Moore uses this name in the “Desert and Canyon West” book.
Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations:
Most often found between 4,000’ and 6,000’ just below the Mogollon Rim in Arizona although I have seen it along south facing canyon rims up to 7,000’ and slightly below 4,000’ in the Verde Valley and the Superstition Mts. Very common and easy to find.
The immune effects of the berberine are stronger if the inner bark of the stem is combined with the leaves to create and efflux pump inhibitor. Details are here.
Energy & Tastes:
Bitter and cooling
Chemistry:
The alkaloid berberine is the best known constituent although it is good to remember this alkaloid works in a matrix with many other constituents to be effective. The inner bark of the root and stem shows the gold-colored presence of berberine.
Preferred Method of Preparation:
Although some alkaloids are only alcohol soluble, berberine extracts in both water and alcohol. Traditionally used as a tincture, a decoction is also an option.
Therapeutic Uses:
Strongly and broadly anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Combines well with Echinacea, Monarda, Arizona Cypress, Chilopsis and Usnea.
The immune effects of the berberine content makes it beneficial when experiencing digestive problems while travelling. Combine with peppermint or ginger for carminative effects. Combine with a demulcent such as mallow or slippery elm for soothing effects.
A digestive bitter, best used in a formula
Stimulates a sluggish liver – helps promote bile flow, fat and protein digestion
Its effect on the liver also make it helpful for skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Herbal Combos:
Many possibilities…
Combine with Larrea and/or Castella for intestinal issues
Combine with Echinacea for bacterial issues
Combine with Cupressus and/or Chilopsis for fungal issues
Combine with Yerba Mansa for a Goldenseal substitute
Safety Issues & Contraindications:
Energetically, it is a cooling herb and long term use can be too cooling. Use as needed for acute conditions and/or balance the energetics with warming digestive aids.
Preferred Method of Preparation:
Although some alkaloids are only alcohol soluble, berberine extracts in both water and alcohol. Traditionally used as a tincture, a decoction is also an option.
https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MAFR3
https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MAHA4
The Plant Profiles are brief materia medica summaries of plants encountered during plant walks or introduced during class on our longer programs. They are presented here to help students organize plant info on an ongoing basis. Although the Profiles are not meant to be comprehensive, they are offered here to the public in the hope that others find these pages useful.