How to Use Barberry Bark

The barberry plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Barberry is known to contain the chemical berberine, which may be helpful for many purposes such as boosting the immune system, aiding in digestion, improving gallbladder functioning, alleviating minor respiratory ailments, healing some skin conditions and treating certain conditions that involve seizures. The bark of the barberry stems and roots are used in treating these ailments. The method in which you use barberry bark depends on the form of the herb that you are using.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Boil 1 tsp. of shaved pieces of barberry bark or powdered bark in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes.

   • 2

     Drink 1 cup of the boiled bark water before each meal, three times daily, to help with gastrointestinal problems.

   • 3

     Gargle with 1 cup of the boiled bark water three times daily for sore throat or oral ulcers.

   • 4

     Ingest a tincture of barberry bark three times a day. Use a dose of 1/2 to 1 1/2 tsp. each time.

   • 5

     Ingest barberry bark tablets of 250 to 500 milligrams three times each day.

   • 6

     Use an ointment that has a 10 percent barberry extract to treat skin irritations. Apply three times a day.