Barberry Root Bark Cut 8 oz., Best Botanicals

Description

Best Botanicals Barberry Root Bark Cut 8 oz has a golden brown to yellowish green color with a faint aroma and strong, bitter taste.  Has been historically used as a tonic, laxative (mild), antiseptic, refrigerant, bitter astringent, antacid, diuretic, resolvent, stomachic, cholagogue, and purgative (large dose).

A deciduous shrub. The roots are yellow on the outside. The bark is bitter. Leaves are obovate. Stems are from 3-8 feet high, reddish when young, and a dirty gray when older. The bright red, oblong berries grow along spiny, grooved branches with acid but agreeable taste. Should only be eaten when ripe. Found throughout the eastern and central U.S. in hard, grave, or rich soils. Other species are found throughout the northern and western U.S.

The berries taste acid but are agreeable and should only be eaten when ripe. They can be preserved or pickled. The bark of the root is hepatic. A decoction of either the berries or bark makes a good mouthwash or gargle for mouth and throat irritations.

Origin(s): Croatia, India, United States.

Latin Name(s): Berberis vulgaris, Berberis aristata.

Also known as: European barberry,  jaundice berry, pepperidge, pepperidge bush, sowberry, berberis.

Plant Part(s) Used: Root Bark.

Appearance: Golden brown, yellow to greenish.

Aroma: Faint.

Taste: Strong, bitter.

GMO Status: Non-GMO.

Allergen: None.

Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives.

Applications / Preparations: Can be put into capsules, herbal extracts, tinctures, tea blends, salves, skincare & ointments.

Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Shelf Life: It is difficult to pinpoint an exact expiration date for most single herbs as they do not expire; they lose potency or strength over time but will still have value. Unlike synthetic materials or drugs, herbs can contain many constituents that contribute to their medicinal effects. Even when we know what the active constituents are, there are often many of them in a single herb, each with different degradation rates. Some herbs lose their effect more easily. Other herbs that possess more stable compounds, such as alkaloids or steroids, will last much longer.

A huge part of the degradation rate of herbs also depends on the storage conditions of the herb, & even on the quality of the herb before storage – how it was grown, harvested, dried & processed. If the product is left in hot places or open to sunlight, it will degrade much quicker than if it was stored in a cool, dry place & sealed tightly.

A good rule of thumb is that herbs should be stored no longer than 2-3 years, but many herbs will have great strength much longer than that. To determine if an herb is still good, you can check its appearance & aroma. Herbs that are no longer acceptable will have lost much of their vibrant color & will instead appear dull & faded. The bigger key, though, is to smell the raw materials to see if the potent aroma is still present.

Warning: Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Brand: Best Botanicals

Barberry Root Bark Cut 8 oz.