Oregon Grape Root Tincture

4 oz. brown bottle. Oregon Grape Tincture (Mahonia repens) has a multitude of uses, including antibiotic and gum infections. Click on heading for more information.

The leaves of this holly-like ground cover usually have seven to nine leaflets in pairs along a thin, tough stem. They are rough textured, wavy-margined with prickly edges, and darker green above than below. Some of the evergreen leaves turn red in the autumn. The blossoms are tight yellow clusters, which bloom in early spring. Both the stems and roots have a bright yellow pith and very bitter taste due to the presence of the alkaloid berberine. The flowers mature into tart bluish berries with a white “bloom.” Fruit matures in early summer.

Cautions: Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions. High doses can cause vomiting, as well as lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Constituents: Alkaloids of the isoquinoline type; berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, oxycanthine.

Amoeba infestations – The antibacterial properties of berbamine have shown activity against staphyloccus, streptococcus, salmonella, shigella and escherichia coli. It has antimicrobial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. Take ½ teaspoon of tincture in warm water three times daily.

Antibiotic – The tincture may be used to treat mild infections. Take one teaspoon of the tincture in warm water four to five times daily. Continue treatment for two days after all symptoms have ceased to be noticed.

Blood pressure – Oregon Grape root helps to dilate blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure. Take in small frequent doses of ¼ teaspoon of tincture five to six times daily. Do not take for more than ten consecutive days.

Dermatological aid – Oregon Grape is similar in action to both Goldenseal and Goldthread. One of the root’s main uses is in the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Skin problems of this sort are often due to systemic causes within the body. The tonic activity of Oregon Grape on the liver and gall bladder may explain its potency in this application. For skin problems it will combine well with equal parts Burdock root, Yellow Dock and Cleavers. Use the mixture as a decoction. For the decoction put three teaspoonfuls of the mixture in two cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. Take four cups daily. Oregon Grape Salve is excellent for itchy skin, boils and wounds.

Detoxifying – Since Oregon Grape shortens the duration of toxic exposures by increasing liver catabolism, use Oregon Grape after working with solvents or to lessen allergic responses due to such toxic exposures as paints, pesticides, herbicides or cigarette smoke. Take Oregon Grape tincture in small frequent doses of ¼ teaspoon in small amounts of water. The tincture also works for hangovers and toxins from prescription and other drugs.

E-Coli – Oregon Grape greatly aids in treating E-Coli. Take ½ tsp. each Oregon Grape Root tincture and Green Black Walnut Hull tincture in warm water every three hours. Continue for at least 10 days.

Eyewash – Use Oregon Grape Eyewash for follicular or catarrhal conjunctivitis, for catarrhal ophthalmia, and for the onset of sties. The eyewash is also effective for treating infections such as conjunctivitis and bloodshot eyes.

Laxative – As a laxative it may safely be used in chronic constipation. Make a decoction of two teaspoons root per cup of water. Simmer gently for ten minutes.

Liver aid – Oregon Grape can be used in stomach and gall bladder conditions, especially where there is associated nausea and vomiting. For gall-bladder problems it may be used with an equal amount of Gentian tincture. Take ½ teaspoon tincture three to four times daily. Since Oregon Grape gently stimulates the liver while controlling excessive secretions of the mucous membranes, it is good for treating poor appetite, indigestion, insufficient nutritional absorption, diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Oral aid – Use Oregon Grape Mouthwash for bleeding gums, pyorrhea and as a gargle for sore throats.