Medicinal Monday - Common Barberry

This deciduous shrub is native to New England where it grows wild.  It is part of the Berberidaccae family that includes 175 different species.  Today, many of these species are used in ornamental gardens or as hedges.   Like many other cultures around the world, the Berberis vulgaris is used by Native Americans to treat many maladies from ulcers and sores to heartburn.

About Berberis vulgaris
This thorny shrub with small oval leaves grows in clusters and the shrub itself can grow up to 13 feet high.  The yellow flowers grow in small clusters that bloom from May to June and are said to have an unpleasant odor.  The fruit is an oblong red berry that ripens in late summer or early autumn. When the branches of this plant come in contact with the earth, new plants can be produced.  Because this shrub is tolerant of shade, in woodland areas, it is considered to be invasive. The berries, which are rich in vitamin C can be eaten but are very sour.  Often the berries are dried and eaten like raisins.

Medicinal & Practical Uses of Berberis Vulgaris

Medicinal plants have been known among different nations for thousands of years and have been used throughout the centuries. Native Americans knew by experience the use of this shrub for many illnesses.  The Micmac use a mixture of the bark and root of this plant as an oral aid for sore gums.  The Mohegans made a decoction of pounded berries to treat colds and the juice of the berries is mixed with water to treat fever. The Penobscot pounded the roots and bark and used it to treat gums and a sore throat.  The Shinnecock made a decoction of leaves which was taken three times a day to treat jaundice.  Many native communities make a root tea from this shrub and drank it as a blood tonic and to treat kidney ailments.  The roots of this plant are used in an interesting and creative way. Native Americans found that the yellow roots of this plant are an important source of dye for baskets, buckskins, and fabric.

Did You Know

In Europe, the berries have been a traditional ingredient in making jam.

The flowers were used as a dye and the thorny shrub provided fencing in central and southern Europe.

In New Zealand, this plant has been cultivated for hedges.

The medicinal plants from the genus Berberis are important to traditional medicine in Iran.

In Russian folk medicine, this plant was used to treat inflammation and to stop bleeding in general.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs.  We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village and Wigwam Escape and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.