Even in ancient Egypt barberry was known - the beneficial properties of this plant helped its inhabitants to deal with the fever that was rampant at that time. For this, a decoction of its berries was used. Unfortunately, miraculous recipes have not reached our days, and we can only be content with a plant that has retained its original appearance. In the records of the ancient Assyrians, barberry is also mentioned. The beneficial properties of this plant were used to combat many ailments of that time. It has also been cultivated in Russia since ancient times, growing in gardens like raspberries, currants, apple trees and gooseberries.
The healing properties of barberry are due to the composition of its berries, which contain carbohydrates and various vitamins, while their flesh is completely free of fats and proteins. Also worth noting is ascorbic acid, carotenoids (xanthophilin, chrysanthemaxanthin, lutein), which give the fruit a red tint. In addition, they have macro- and micronutrients, sugar and pectin. They also contain beta-carotene necessary for the synthesis of vitamin A. However, you need to understand that it is necessary to use only ripe barberry - the beneficial properties in green fruits are not yet fully manifested. One of the main wealth of the plant is the alkaloid berberine, which is a potent chemical substance of multidirectional action. Other parts of the plant (roots and leaves) can also be used for medicinal and tonic purposes. They are rich in vitamins C, E, K (fat-soluble), they have malic and citric acid, alkaloids, carotenoids. It should also be noted that the maximum concentration of berberine is observed just in its roots.
For medical purposes, barberry is also very widely used. Useful properties of its berries acquire in September-October, leaves - during and after flowering, bark and roots - at the end of the harvest. There are a number of important points that it is desirable to observe in this process. The roots need only be thoroughly shaken off, but not washed, as water dissolves berberine. In this case, lay a dense fabric. This is due to the fact that the bark peels off easily from them. The roots should be dried in special chambers or under a canopy.
For medical purposes, parts of the plant are used in various forms. Tincture of barberry (or decoction) from the bark is widely used as a choleretic agent and for various liver diseases. As an anti-inflammatory drug for these same ailments, leaves are also used. For this, an infusion is prepared from them . Root extract is used in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Barberry is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system. With its help, you can normalize the pressure and prevent the development of hypertension. The berries and leaves of the plant strengthen the immune system. Barberry can be used as a hemostatic agent.
Fruits are considered an effective medicine for cough, sore throat, colds and inflammatory diseases. The plant is used to make drugs to improve the digestive system, they increase the appetite and muscle tone of the intestines. The astringent properties of barberry contribute to the removal of heavy metals, toxins, toxins and other harmful substances from the body.