Barberry

Botanical Name: Berberis vulgaris
Common Names: Berberry

ACTIVE COMPONENTS: The stem, root bark, and fruit of barberry contain chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids (berberine is a type of isoquinoline alkaloid)
DOSAGE

Pediatric
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of barberry. However, many professional herbalists use barberry to reduce diarrhea in children. For this reason, barberry should be used with caution in children and only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Adult
Barberry (as a single herb) should not be taken for more than five to seven days, but it may be used for longer periods if taken in combination with other herbs recommended by a qualified healthcare practitioner. Three to five days is generally sufficient for an upset stomach.
For sore throats, bladder infections, diarrhea, bronchitis, or yeast infections:
• Tea: 2 to 4 grams of dried root steeped or 1 to 2 tsp of whole or crushed berries steeped in 150 mL (approximately 2/3 of a cup) of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes three times daily
• Tincture: 3 to 6 mL (1/2 to 1 1/2 tsp three times daily)
• Dry extracts: 250 to 500 milligrams three times daily
• For skin disorders: 10% extract of barberry in ointment, applied to the skin three times daily
It is important to remember that some infections can be very dangerous if not treated with standard antibiotics. Barberry should not be taken in place of a prescription antibiotic.

SIDE EFFECTS
Those using normal and appropriate doses of barberry do not generally report side effects. Cases of nosebleeds and vomiting have been reported with extremely high doses of this herb. Pregnant women should not take barberry because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage.
Elecampane is a large herbaceous perennial, indigenous to southeastern Europe and western Asia but naturalized in Britain, Ireland and the north mid-west US.