March 2026 Herb of the Month: Oregon Grape Root

Throughout many other Herb of the Month articles, we’ve discussed the medicinal and evolutionary importance of the bitter flavor. Bitter flavors trigger the production of digestive enzymes by activating special bitter taste receptors on our tongues and throughout the GI system. These receptors then signal the brain and gut to initiate the “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) response. This helps promote the release of saliva, gastric acid, pancreatic enzymes, and bile – all of which our digestive systems need to function properly. Because of this, bitter flavors can help improve nutrient absorption, metabolism, and blood sugar regulation. Rich in the alkaloid berberine, Oregon grape is exceptionally bitter. Additionally, in part due to its high berberine content, Oregon grape is also used medicinally for its anti-microbial, liver-stimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used to treat digestive issues, skin conditions, and gallbladder concerns. 

 

Common name: Oregon grape

Latin name: Berberis aquifolium (syn. Mahonia aquifolium)

Part Used: roots, inner stem bark, leaves, and berries (with primary concentration given to the roots)

Properties: Astringent, alterative (aids in detoxification), anti-inflammatory, choleretic (stimulates the liver to produce more bile to help with digestion), antioxidant, anti-microbial, diuretic, and an anti-catarrhal (helps reduce excess mucus) 

Taste:  Astringent and bitter

Energetics: Cooling and Drying

History

Oregon grape is a member of the Berberidaceae family – you can see evidence of this by checking out its very yellow flesh. It’s native to North America, specifically the western regions, where it enjoys well-drained soil and the partial shade of a mammoth west coast tree. Indigenous groups, such as the Saanich People of Vancouver Island, have a long history of using Oregon grape root for shellfish poisoning, likely due to its potent antibacterial properties. Because of this, it’s also a useful preparation for combating Giardia (an infection from contaminated water). Indigenous cultures have also been using Oregon grape’s berberine-rich yellow flesh to dye materials like baskets! Beyond human use, Oregon grape also provides countless benefits for other animals. It shelters and feeds important members of the wildlife community like grouse, pheasants, foxes, raccoons, painted lady butterflies, and other pollinators. 

Benefits

Skin Conditions

Oregon grape can be used internally and externally to address many skin issues. Using it internally focuses on overall systemic detoxification, while using it externally is typically helpful for acute or chronic skin conditions. The alkaloid constituents in Oregon grape root support psoriasis by reducing the specific antibodies that trigger rapid skin cell growth, a key contributor to psoriasis. Oregon grape also has a long history of supporting eczema by reducing the size of the inflamed areas and improving itchiness. Its powerful antimicrobial compounds make Oregon grape a first-responder herb for many bacterial, protozoal, and fungal skin infections. 

Internally, Oregon grape works to clear the body of toxins, stagnation, inflammation, and overabundance of heat. Since many chronic skin conditions can be due to poor digestion and a buildup of toxins, Oregon grape can assist by stimulating and supporting the liver. This helps the body’s other detox pathways (i.e., the skin) from being overwhelmed and inflamed. 

 

Gastrointestinal Conditions

As we mentioned above, Oregon grape is a very bitter herb. This bitter stimulation, in combination with its antimicrobial properties, makes Oregon grape very helpful for common GI conditions such as indigestion, peptic ulcers, reflux (GERD), nausea, constipation, and intestinal infections. If you’ve ever received a bitter tincture formula from your naturopathic doctor, then you likely know that the bitter action is key here for digestive benefit by activating the liver and gallbladder and sort of revving the digestive engine. Due to Oregon grapes’ high concentrations of berberine alkaloids, it’s often used to support gallbladder health and to decrease gallstone formation.

Because of its actions as a blood purifier, a liver and gallbladder stimulator, and an antimicrobial, herbalists often turn to Oregon grape to address intestinal infections such as Salmonella, dysentery, and gut dysbiosis. It may also be helpful for oral bacterial conditions such as gingivitis.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

For inflammatory conditions due to poor or inadequate waste removal (detoxification), Oregon grape can help remove waste from tissues and support the clearing of internal stagnation. These conditions include gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. 

 

Mood Conditions

In a 15-day animal study, supplementation with Oregon grape root increased dopamine and serotonin levels by 52% and 19%, respectively. These hormones help regulate mood.1

Emotional Aspects of Oregon Grape Root

Energetically, Oregon grape root is very cooling. This is why it’s often used to quell fiery emotions (such as anger, self-criticism, and perfectionism). Energy healers often use it to help transform self-criticism into self-acceptance and love. They also use it to help dispel fear and hostility in those who have difficulty trusting others.  

Oregon Grape recipe to try!

Immunity Tea 

Ingredients

• 1 part Oregon grape root
• 1 part rosehips
• 1 part Echinacea purpurea root
• ¼ part cinnamon chips

Instructions

• Measure out 1-2 tsp per cup, simmer 12 minutes uncovered, 3 cups per day or as needed.

 

References: 

Kulkarni, Shrinivas K., and Ashish Dhir. “On the Mechanism of Antidepressant-like Action of Berberine Chloride.” European Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 589, no. 1-3, July 2008, pp. 163–172, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.05.043. Accessed 23 Jan. 2023.