Organic Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)


Botanical Name: Mahonia Aquifolium
Certified Organic
Origin:  United States
Production: Oregon grape is a flowering shrub that occurs naturally in the mountainous regions of western North America. Because the herb shares a common chemical constituent with goldenseal called berberine, it is often used as an alternative to the latter. The root and root bark of the plant, which is responsibly wild harvested to ensure future generations, is a vibrant golden color and yields a yellow dye. Being too bitter to use in tea, Oregon grape root is typically tinctured.
Common Use: Decoct or tincture to make topical antiseptic skin care formulations. Decoct or tincture as a digestive aid.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container.
Safety: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the CFIA or FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This product has been packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and other potential allergens.

$3.98

What is Grape Root? (Mahonia aquifolium)

Native to western North America, Berberis aquifolium is known for its yellow roots, holly-like leaves, and tart, blue berries that resemble a cluster of grapes. Oregon grape is a member of the Berberidaceae family and its roots contain the chemical constituent berberine, thought to be responsible for many of the plant’s healthful benefits. A fine substitute for goldenseal, Oregon grape root can be extracted, added to herbal tea blends, and employed in topical care formulas.

Oregon grape is native to western North America and is particularly prominent in the Pacific Northwest as the name suggests. The Oregon grape is a bushy, flowering perennial with shiny, holly-like leaves. It is commonly found in mountainous regions and adapts easier to its environment than the closely related barberry.

The leaves of Oregon grape are dark green and prickly, turning orange and eventually brilliant red after a few years of aging. The plant reaches between two and six feet in height and produces small blackish-blue berries that resemble tiny grapes. These berries are edible but not palatable, possessing an intensely tart flavor that herbalist Michael Moore compares to sucking simultaneously on a Vitamin C tablet and aspirin. Other common names for Oregon grape include holly-leaf barberry, mountain grape, Oregon grapeholly, and Oregon barberry. Berberis may also be known by its botanical synonym Mahonia. It belongs to the Berberidaceae family.

The golden yellow root of Oregon grape is commonly harvested as a medicine, and is sometimes substituted for goldenseal, as the two herbs have similar constituent properties. Oregon grape has been clinically shown to support certain skin irritation when used externally. It is also traditionally used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and externally for its antimicrobial properties. The active constituents in Oregon grape root have shown substantial antimicrobial and antifungal activity in vitro, though these activities are unproven in human trials.

Precautions
Not for use in pregnancy except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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Weight

1 oz.

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