Families: Berberidaceae

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  • Coptis; Berberis spp.

    Botanical Overview Latin name: Coptis; Berberis spp. Family: Berberidaceae Parts used: Root, Rhizome, Bark, Stem Common names: Barberry, Goldthread, Oregon grape Energetics Temperature: Cooling Moisture: Drying Tastes: Bitter, Astringent Directionality: Not well characterized Tonicity: Tonifying Qi/Blood/Fluid: Qi tonic Primary Actions Antimicrobial Bitter Choleretic Hepatoprotective Anti-inflammatory Indications Western Indigestion Diarrhea Jaundice Infections Liver dysfunction Skin infections…


  • Coptis; Berberis; Mahonia spp.

    Botanical Overview Coptis; Berberis; Mahonia spp. are members of the Berberidaceae family, commonly known as goldthread, barberry, Oregon grape, and mahonia. These plants are native to regions including North America, East Asia, and Europe. The medicinal parts primarily used are the roots and root bark. Energetics The energetics of these species are characterized by a…


  • Caulophyllum thalictroides

    Botanical Overview Caulophyllum thalictroides, commonly known as Blue cohosh, Blue ginseng, or Papoose root, is a perennial herb of the Berberidaceae family native to Eastern North America. The medicinal parts used are primarily the root and rhizome. Traditionally, it has been valued for its effects on the reproductive system and musculoskeletal complaints. Energetics Blue cohosh…


  • Berberis vulgaris

    Botanical Overview Berberis vulgaris, commonly known as barberry or European barberry, belongs to the Berberidaceae family. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to North America. The parts used medicinally include the root, root bark, stem bark, fruit, and leaf. Energetics Berberis vulgaris is characterized by a cooling…


  • Mahonia nervosa

    Botanical Overview Mahonia nervosa, commonly known as Cascade Oregon grape, is a perennial evergreen shrub in the Berberidaceae family. Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, it is recognized for its bitter-tasting root and stem bark, traditionally used medicinally. Parts used include root, stem bark, and leaves. Energetics This plant is considered cooling and…


  • Mahonia aquifolium

    Botanical Overview Mahonia aquifolium, commonly known as Oregon grape, holly grape, or Mahonia, is a member of the Berberidaceae family native to North America, especially the Pacific Northwest, Western United States, and Canada. The plant’s root, root bark, stem bark, and leaves are utilized medicinally. Energetics The energetics of Mahonia aquifolium are characterized as cooling…


  • Berberis aristata

    Botanical Overview Berberis aristata, belonging to the Berberidaceae family, is commonly known as Indian Barberry, Tree Turmeric, or Daruharidra. It is native to the Himalayan region including parts of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The medicinal parts primarily used are the root, stem, bark, and root bark. Energetics This herb is considered to have a cooling…


  • Podophyllum peltatum

    Botanical Overview Podophyllum peltatum, commonly known as Mayapple, American mandrake, or Wild mandrake, belongs to the family Berberidaceae. It is native to Eastern North America. The primary parts used medicinally include the rhizome, root, and leaves. Energetics This herb is considered cooling and drying in nature, with a bitter taste. Its energetic directionality is descending,…


  • Epimedium grandiflorum

    Botanical Overview Epimedium grandiflorum belongs to the family Berberidaceae and is commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, Barrenwort, or simply Epimedium. It is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The aerial parts, particularly the leaves, are utilized medicinally. Energetics This herb is considered warming with a neutral moisture quality. Its taste is…