Intentions of Fae

04/16/2025

P.s..

A DIY tick repellent for humans can be made using essential oils like eucalyptus, cedarwood, lemongrass, or peppermint, diluted in water or other carrier oils like coconut or jojoba. Spraying this mixture on clothing, shoes, and even your skin (after a patch test) can help deter ticks.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR REPELLENCY

🌿EUCALYPTUS: Known as a powerful tick repeller and killer.

🌿CEDARWOOD: Studies have shown cedarwood oil to be effective against ticks and their larvae.

🌿 LEMONGRASS: A popular natural tick repellent.

🌿 PEPPERMINT: Bugs dislike the scent of peppermint, making it a good repellent.

Other options:
🌿 ROSEMARY
🌿 CITRONELLA
🌿 GERANIUM
🌿 CARNIP

CREATING A SPRAY

🌿 Water: Combine 4 ounces of distilled or purified water with your chosen essential oil.

🌿 Essential Oils: Use 20-30 drops of your chosen essential oil per 4 ounces of water.

🌿 Carrier Oils: If using on skin, consider diluting the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil.

🌿 Spraying: Spray the solution onto clothing, shoes, and even your skin (after a patch test for any allergies).

🌿Shake before use: Make sure the essential oil and water are well combined before applying.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

🌿 Patch Test:
Always do a patch test on your skin before applying a full spray to ensure you're not allergic to any of the ingredients.
🌿 Dilution:
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be irritating. Always dilute them properly before using on skin.
🌿 Storage:
Store your repellent in a cool, dark place to preserve the essential oils.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS

🌿 In addition to DIY repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, using permethrin-treated clothing, and doing tick checks are also important for tick prevention.

Disclosure:
Information offered in any form by myself or is for educational purposes only. Myself nor makes neither medical claim nor intends to diagnosis or treat medical conditions. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Neither myself nor endorsed them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the usage and safety of any herbs, oils, powders, liquids or supplements mentioned in any post.

03/22/2025

💜

03/11/2025

🌿🌷HERBOLOGY 101🌷🌿
with Jennifer Annise

Herbs For Protection: The 35 Best Herbs To Keep Negative Spirits Away!

There are so many elements to protection spell work, including wards, bindings, banishing, etc. It can be really helpful to know what protection herbs are strong and what purposes each herb is used for, especially in a pinch.

I find that learning about herbs can be kind of difficult unless you have a clear focus. Today, I’ll be talking about all of my favorite herbs for protection and the various ways to use them.

Hopefully, this post will help you when you’re in a pinch. You can stockpile some of these herbs and use them if you encounter negative entities or when you need to cleanse.

Here are 35+ favorite herbs for protection!

HOW TO USE HERBS FOR PROTECTION

I’ll talk more specifically about how to use each herb for protection in the list below, however most herbs can be used in a few basic ways.

MAKE A WASH:: You can create a “potion” using water and the herb to wash your hands in. I keep these washes handy and use them before doing spell work. This wash can also be used for your floor, home, or anything else that needs cleansing.

BREW A TEA: If the herb is safe to consume, brew a tea then drink it to protect your body and your energy. Make sure that you infuse the tea with your specific intention to activate the properties of the protection herb.

IN THE BATH: Again, make sure to check that the herb can be safely exposed to your skin. Once you are aware of the safety of the herb, drop some into your bath and do a protection cleansing. Bath spells are super easy and effective, so I use bath cleansings quite often.

HANG DRY HERBS: You can simply hang a bundle of dried herbs over any doorway or window that you want to protect. I hang spiritual protection herbs over my bed to keep entities away while I’m dreaming, and I also have a small bundle in my car for protection while traveling.

Here are 35 favorite herbs for protection with information on the specific protective properties!

35. ROSEMARY
Rosemary is one of the all-time top herbs for protection. Rosemary is so strong and requires very little activation.

Rosemary is specifically one of the best protection herbs for purification purposes. If you need to cleanse something, burn rosemary in the air, or keep a small satchel of rosemary around your home. You can also brew a potion (even just water and rosemary works well) to cleanse your hands before performing a ritual.

34. SALT
Though salt isn’t technically an herb, I had to include it high up on this list of protection herbs because salt is simply one of the best substances ever if you’re in need of serious protection.

A bowl of salt, left out, will automatically cleanse any room. I keep salt handy during all my rituals. You can also sprinkle salt in the corners of your home or across the doorway for strong physical wards, or you can cleanse your tools in it.

Salt is one of the best protection herbs for all types of protection and cleansing. However, I find that it works especially well for spiritual/energetic cleansing.

If you’re in a pickle, salt can be used as an offensive means of protection. Throw salt on the ritual or item that is causing problems and the energy will be forced to dissipate.

33. ROSE
Rose isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for protection herbs, but it’s surprisingly effective.

The idea is that, because the thorns on the rose protect the flower, the flower will then transfer this protection to you or your spell work. Therefore, roses can be used for any type of protection because the power of the rose is mainly metaphorical.

I especially enjoy using rose petals in satchels, but I also make rose tea from time to time or even use the thorns after I get a bouquet of roses.

32. DRAGON'S BLOOD
Dragon’s blood is actually resin from a tropical palm tree. It’s surprisingly popular in the witchcraft community because it has so many uses, including strong protective powers.

I find that dragon’s blood is especially useful if you need to ward off psychic attacks. You can burn dragon’s blood incense or put some of the resin in a protection pouch. It will also cleanse or clear any space.

31. THORNS
Though “thorns” aren’t actually an herb, you can source them on the stems of various flowers. I find that thorns are super useful in protection spells because of the metaphorical meaning.

A thorn quite literally protects the flower or plant from animals. When you use thorns in a spell, this power will be transferred to you or your spell.

Place thorns in a satchel or spell jar or use them in a tea, depending on the type of flower that you source your thorns from.

30. MINT
Mint is a truly versatile herb. It’s also one of the best herbs for protection. I specifically use mint as a home protective herb.

Hang bundles of mint around your door/windows, brew a home protection potion, use it in a spell jar, or even add it to your food or drink.

29. RUE
Because rue is super easy to grow, it’s also one of the most perfect protection herbs to use when you’re in a pinch. I always have some dried rue hanging around.

I find that rue is one of the best herbs for protection when you specifically need to banish. For example, I will sometimes incorporate rue into my freezer spells.

You can utilize rue to banish actual people, spiritual entities, or even bad habits. Rue can also be used in cord cutting spells.

28. DILL
Dill is one of the most useful protection herbs if you need to keep dark forces at bay. Negative entities, leeches, and energetic vampires can all be banished using dill.

However, dill is also said to stimulate lust, so I don’t recommend using it as a physical protection herb if you’re heading to a crowded location.

27. MISTLETOE
Although mistletoe has many uses, it’s specifically one of the best herbs for protection when you need to physically protect yourself or your home.

Hang mistletoe over your door to ward off unwanted intruders or wear mistletoe on your person as a preventative measure. Mistletoe can also be used in ritual baths, though it is a poisonous herb, so you shouldn’t ingest it.

26. OAK
Throughout history, the oak tree became a symbol of protection. The tree is strong and sturdy, so oak will provide the sort of protection that lasts over time.

Oak is one of my favorite protection herbs to use for bath/cleansing spells. It also works quite well in a jar spell or satchel. You can even use oak if you enjoy arts and crafts, because it’s easy to create an incognito piece that hangs on your wall for decor but also protects your home.

You can utilize oak leaves, bark, acorns, or even the dirt from under the tree to harness the protective properties of oak.

25. BLACK PEPPER
Red pepper is more commonly used in witchcraft, but I personally love black pepper. It’s one of my favorite protection herbs when I want to energetically protect my home or my body.

Black pepper is especially useful for warding against the evil eye. In fact, it will sometimes return the evil eye to the sender. I use black pepper in spell jars or satchels, but it can honestly be useful in just about any type of protection spell.

Overall, black pepper works best to keep negative energy, curses, and malevolent spirits from harming you.

24. RED PEPPER
If you’re looking for protection herbs that are quick and effective, you may want to consider using red pepper. After all, red pepper is super popular in the witchcraft community for a reason!

You can use red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or whole chili peppers. In many cultures, a bundle of chili peppers is hung over the door to ward off intruders.

I find that red pepper can be used to protect against energy/entities and physical harm. It’s one of the strongest herbs for protection that works extremely quickly.

Red pepper can be aggressive offensively and may return negative energy or even physical force to the sender, so don’t use it on anyone you want to stay close to.

23. GARLIC
Vampire legends are definitely based on some truths: garlic is one of the most potent protection herbs. However, garlic can be used against basically anyone, not just vampires.

In witchcraft, garlic is used for spiritual protection, exorcism, the repulsion of vampires (energetic or otherwise), and protection against negative magic.

It can be used for both spiritual and physical purposes. Garlic even kills off disease, so it’s one of the best herbs for protection against illness.

22. AGRIMONY
If you need to utilize protection herbs in your warding spells then agrimony should be your #1 choice. Just sprinkling the herb around any area will instantly create a ward.

Agrimony can be used to ward against the Fae (if necessary), entities, or evil spirits. It’s easy enough to sprinkle some agrimony under a doormat. Agrimony provides an extra layer of warding that makes me feel more comfortable, plus it really works!

21. BIRCH
Throughout history, birch was seen as a symbol of protection. Whether you simply plant the tree itself outside your front door or utilize birch as one of your go-to protection herbs, birch is extremely effective.

I use birch for general protection. It’s both spiritual and physical. Birch is said to protect against lightening, storms, and the evil eye. It also works in just about any protection spell or even in a bath.

Lastly, birch is purifying, so it’s a great protection herb to use as a cleanser.

20. ANGELICA
Known as the Angels’ herb of protection, Angelica is a powerful substance that can help you call upon the power of the angels. Use this for just about any situation.

You can grow angelica in your garden, place it around your house, or use it during spell work. However, make sure that you have good intentions when using angelica. Angels live by a strict moral code and won’t help you if you intend to curse or hurt anyone.

19. HAWTHORN
A sacred Celtic herb, hawthorne is one of the most historical herbs for protection on this list. It has been used in folk magic for centuries.

Hawthorne is specifically helpful when you need to ward off ghosts. It was also used by the ancient Romans to protect a baby from evil spirits and negativity. However, it is sacred to the Fae, so be careful if you happen upon a patch of Hawthorne in nature – don’t disturb the plant unless you have permission.

18. ALOE VERA
Though aloe vera is known as a health-related herb, it’s also one of the best herbs for protection. Aloe very tends to protect from most physical accidents and acts as a quick antidote to many illnesses or injuries.

Some witches also use aloe vera to protect against negative energy or the evil eye, specifically in spell jars or baths.

17. ELDER
In centuries past, elder was often grown in a ring around one’s property as a means of protection. Even if you aren’t able to actually grow elder bushes around your house (though it’s a cool idea!), elder can still work as one of the protection herbs that you employ in your spells.

Hedge witches love elder because it quite literally creates a hedge or barrier. Elder keeps the good spirits in and the negative entities out, so it does the discernment work for you.

16. ASH
Because ash isn’t traditionally known as one of the stronger protection herbs, it isn’t usually seen on this sort of list. However, I wanted to include ash because I think it’s of the best herbs for protection, specifically during travel.

Simply make a pouch filled with ash or include ash in your travel jar safety spell.

Ash is also useful for safety from the water and prevents drowning.

15. BAY LEAF
In folk magic, a bay leaf is a type of catch-all. The bay leaf is a really powerful herb that works for so many types of spells!

The bay leaf is specifically one of the most powerful herbs for protection. You can put it under your pillow to ward off bad dreams, wear it on your person for physical cleansing, make a wash with bay leaves, or place the leaves throughout your home to strengthen your wards.

When in doubt, always slip a bay leaf into my protection spells.

14. PINE
Pine is one of the most well-rounded herbs for protection. There’s a reason that most floor wash recipes include pine!

You can make various washes with pine (for your floor, bath, hands, etc.) or you can brew a pine needle tea for good health. If you’d rather burn the needles, you can use the smoke to drive away evil spirits.

Pine is also one of the best protection herbs to ward against physical illness. During the holidays, place pinecones all over my house and keep out sickness as well as negativity and evil spirits.

13. FRANKINCENSE
One of the most purifying protection herbs on this list is Frankincense. It’s used in so many religious homes of worship for a reason!

Frankincense is actually linked to the sun, so when you burn or utilize this protection herb, you’re essentially calling upon sun gods.

Burn incense in my home to cleanse your space, and you may also use the powder in spell jars or satchels.

12. LILY
Centuries ago, witches grew lily in their gardens to keep negative spirits away. Plus, lily is easily one of the prettiest herbs for protection!

Kept in a satchel or on your person, lily will protect you against the evil eye. It’s also effective as a tool to break spells or curses cast on you, especially love spells. The tiger lily is especially aggressive magically.

11. EUCALPTUS
Eucalyptus is a highly healing herb, but it’s also one of the most positive herbs for protection. When you use eucalyptus, you’ll purify your space and heal your energy or body all at once.

Use eucalyptus when performing gentler protection spells. For example, a daily cleansing with eucalyptus will softly rid your aura of negative energy, but you won’t feel drained after. It’s also great for bath spells.

However, you’ll want to pick something stronger for a cleansing if you have a serious problem with an entity or spirit.

10. VALERIAN
Valerian is another catch-all herb that can be used for protection spells. It’s great for baths or washes because it has strong cleansing properties.

A favorite way to use Valerian is to calm emotions. If someone is upset or a situation feels out of control or scary, valerian will quickly calm everyone down. You can also wear it on your person to calm those around you.

9. CACTUS
Another favorite protection herb for banishing is cactus. Simply having a cactus in your home or garden (especially by your door) creates an automatic ward that repels intruders.

Cactus is also great for banishing spells. You can make a satchel or bag filled with cactus and other banishing herbs then bury it. Otherwise, place cactus in the four corners of your home for extra protection on the daily.

8. VERVAIN
Vervain isn’t just used in the Vampire Diaries. It’s actually a real protection herb that’s used quite often in the witch community.

Although vervain was most traditionally used to protect people and their homes against lightening and storms, this herb is highly cleansing, too. Use it in baths, floor washes, spell jars, or simply in your home to cleanse and purify the energy.

Place vervain near your bed as a cleanser for unwanted entities and spirits that flock while dreaming. It’s one of the best protection herbs to prevent nightmares. Vervain is also one of the best herbs to use for protection during Samhain.

7. PARSLEY
Parsley is a strong cleansing herb that will remove most curses and hexes. It will also cleanse negativity in general.

Carry parsley to ward against any negativity or the evil eye. It’s also an effective ward against illness. It can be placed in a satchel or used in an oil.

Parsley is one of the edible protection herbs on this list, so it can be used in food, tea, or other concoctions! It’s a largely protective herb that has many uses, both spiritual and physical.

6. ST. JOHN'S WORT
Generally, St. John’s Wort is used to prevent against all forms of dark magic. This means that it will repel curses sent towards you, but it can also protect from unintended consequences from your own spells.

This protection herb is also useful for warding against bad spirits and for banishing all evil entities. Try burning this herb during a banishing spell.

If you wear St. John’s Wort on you, then your own convictions will be strengthened while your opponent will grow weaker.

Lastly, St. John’s Wort is said to protect against fire, lightening, and other natural disasters.

5. FLAX SEED
Although flax seed isn’t one of the most common herbs for protection, but it’s very effective. You can mix it with red pepper to create a strong ward for you home.

Alternatively, you can sprinkle flax seed in just about anything, such as your bag, your shoes, your closet, your car, or anything else that needs a bit of protection. Flax seed offers physical protection, so use it when traveling or going somewhere.

4. WILLOW
Every part of the willow tree is used for protection. A willow is graceful yet sturdy, so it’s a wonderful herb for protection because the properties don’t seem obvious, yet the energy of the willow is strong over time.

The willow tree is associated with the divine feminine. You can call upon various benevolent female goddesses using an offering of willow.

Willow can also be used to give yourself strength when you feel that you’re lacking. This is one of the protection herbs that feels subtle, yet willow can help to create changes in your life so that you’re safer and more energetically focused in general.

3. RED CLOVER
Typically, red clover is one of the main protection herbs used for warding domestic animals. If you want to protect your pet, start with red clover!

This herb is also helpful if you need to remove negative spirits around your home.

2. SANDALWOOD
One of the best protection herbs for clearing negativity is sandalwood. It both protects and heals, so I tend to include sandalwood in most of my protection spells.

You can scatter or burn sandalwood in your home to clear it of negative energy, or you can use sandalwood in a spell jar, satchel, or potion.

1. VINEGAR
Although vinegar can’t technically be classified as an herb, I had to include it with these other protection herbs because vinegar is so powerful.

Make a floor wash with vinegar for cleansing, use a few drops in your bath, or employ vinegar in any other potion or spell. Vinegar is especially useful for cleansing, banishing, binding, and as a preventative measure to avoid evil.

02/26/2025

Contact Jennifer Rogers - Sacred Spiral Wellness if interested! 💜

12/02/2024

Yalllllllll I SERIOUSLY need HELP. I took in an abused stray dog when I moved. Unbeknownst to me, she was pregnant. NOW I have 12!! (there was 13, but one passed) four week old puppies and I absolutely cannot keep any of them. I've called 9-10 different shelters and none of them are taking any new animals in. Anyone want one or 12 of these babies!? PLEASE??

08/20/2024

07/30/2024

🌿🪷🌳HERBOLOGY 101🌳🪷🌿

BARBERRY ROOT – lay this root across the path of an enemy to undo or diminish their effect on you, “bars the way” of your enemies. Used in protection amulets for the home and for children and is also known as Holy Thorn. Used to free yourself from the power another holds over you.

Barberry, when included into an amulet, serves as a charm for children’s protection and is thought to help with teething. Barberry can serve as a countermagic and a shield against curses and evil witchcraft that are transmitted by magically prepared thorns when it is ritually harvested and sanctified. Use in magical rituals and spellcraft to draw luck, prosperity, or power. You can also use it to make protection sachets to hang over the front entrance.

Barberry is a tall shrub with gray, thorny branches, yellow blooms, and a red, tart, berry. Although the berry is high in vitamin C, the bark has been utilized for magic and medicine for generations. It was historically used to treat and prevent malaria, diarrhea, fevers, and to increase vitality and wellbeing. In Ancient Egypt, it was combined with fennel seed to prevent the plague.

*Element Associations: Earth
*Planetary Associations:Jupiter + Mars
*Astrological Associations: Aries + Scorpio
*Chakra Associations: Root, Solar Plexus + Heart
*Energy: Feminine/Receptive
*Magical Properties: Clearing, Cleansing, Letting Go, Banishing + Psychic Protection
*Healing Properties: Constipation, Heartburn, Diarrhea

Because Barberry is a protective plant, it is a great addition to any Magick Bag or Sachet. Hang above your front entrance or carry with you to ward off negativity or use in your spell work and rituals for protection, repelling + breaking hexes.
*MEDICINAL USE*
Medicinal use of barberry dates back more than 2,500 years. It has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor, as well as a sense of well being. Today, it is widely used for medicinal purposes in Iran, including for biliary disorders (such as gallbladder disease) and heartburn.

Barberry and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) are often used for similar medicinal purposes because both herbs contain the chemical berberine. Berberine has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in test tubes, and may help the immune system function better. The aqueous extract of barberry has beneficial effects on both the cardiovascular and neural system. As such, it may be useful in the treatment of hypertension, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), and some neuronal disorders, such as epilepsy and convulsions. Recent studies suggest that barberry also has antioxidant properties, and may help prevent certain types of cancer.

*INFECTION & SKIN DISORDERS*
Barberry is used to ease inflammation and infection of the urinary (bladder and urinary tract infections), gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts (sore throat, nasal congestion, sinusitis, bronchitis), as well as candida (yeast) infections of the skin or va**na. Barberry extract may also improve symptoms of certain skin conditions including psoriasis and acne. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

*DIARRHEA*
Barberry may be an effective treatment for diarrhea (including traveler's diarrhea and diarrhea caused by food poisoning). A few studies have suggested that barberry improves symptoms faster than antibiotics, perhaps because it has astringent properties, but that antibiotics may be more effective at killing bacteria in the intestines. Because of the serious consequences associated with bacterial diarrhea, if barberry is used to ease symptoms, it is best to take the herb along with standard antibiotic therapy. However, taking barberry with antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor before combining the two.

*PLANT DESCRIPTION"
Barberry is a shrub with gray, thorny branches that can grow to about 9 feet tall. Bright yellow flowers bloom between the months of April and June and become dark, drooping bunches of red berries in the fall. The root, bark, and berries are used for medicinal purposes.

*WHAT IS IT MADE OF?*
The stem, root bark, and fruit of barberry contain alkaloids, the most prominent of which is berberine. Laboratory studies in test tubes and animals suggest that berberine has antimicrobial (killing bacteria and parasites), anti-inflammatory, hypotensive (causing a lowering of blood pressure), sedative, and anticonvulsant effects. Berberine may also stimulate the immune system. It also acts on the smooth muscles that line the intestines. This last effect may help improve digestion and reduce gastrointestinal pain.

*AVAILABLE FORMS*
Barberry is available in capsules, fluid extracts, tinctures, and as a topical ointment. Dried roots of barberry can also be used in tea. Barberry extracts are standardized to contain 8 to 12% alkaloids (berberine).

HOW TO TAKE IT

*PEDIATRIC *
There is not enough evidence to establish a dose for children. Certain dosages of barberry may be unsafe for children so onlly use barberry in children under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.

*ADULT*
Dosages should be determined by your provider. Barberry should not be taken for long periods of time (more than a week) without the supervision of your doctor.

*Precautions*
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects, and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

People 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.

In infants, berberine (a constituent of barberry) may interfere with liver function and might worsen jaundice.

Every plant has a tale, and the Japanese Barberry is no exception. In folklore, it's a plant that symbolizes inner strength and resilience, likely due to its thorny defenses and robust nature. Gardeners don't just plant a shrub; they plant a story that deepens the connection between nature and the human spirit.

The Hardy Protector of Your Garden
🌿 Holding the Ground: Erosion Control and Landscape Stability
The Japanese Barberry is more than ornamental; it's a steadfast guardian against soil erosion. Its dense root system anchors the earth, preserving your garden's terrain and the vital nutrients within it. This robust shrub is a natural bulwark, safeguarding the delicate balance of your garden's ecosystem.

🛡️ Privacy and Security: Growing Your Own Green Fortress
Privacy in your backyard isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for peace of mind. Japanese Barberry grows into a living wall, offering a natural screen that keeps prying eyes out. Its thorny branches are a deterrent to unwanted guests, be they of the two-legged or four-legged variety. With this shrub, you're not just planting greenery; you're fortifying your sanctuary.

WESTERN NAME: Barberry

ALAO KNOWN AS: Mountain Grape, Pepperidge, Berberry, Common Grape, European Barberry, Common Barberry, Holy Thorn

ORGANS/SYSTEMS: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Liver, Bladder, Skin

Key Actions: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Cardiotonic, Anti-inflammatory, Stomachic, Antifungal, Antiprotozoal, Bitter, Anticonvulsant, Antimicrobial, Hypotensive, Sedative, Mild Laxative

MEDICINAL USES: Respiratory infections, colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, nasal congestion, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, candida, diarrhea (including diarrhea caused by food poisoning), dysentery, abdominal bloating, high blood pressure, blood sugar regulation, heart rate regulation, liver cleanse, gallbladder flush, sores, burns, psoriasis, jaundice, gallstones, hepatitis, colic, consumption, ringworm, malaria, eye infections.

EASTERN NAME: Fu Niu

MERIDIANS: Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestines

KEY ACTIONS: Restores the Liver, Tonifies the Spleen, Removes Stagnation, Promotes Urination, Clears Liver Heat, Clears Toxins

MEDICINAL USES: Poor appetite, bloating, diarrhea, poor digestion, constipation, anemia, constipation, diarrhea, jaundice, scanty urine, gout, arthritis, stuck me**es, mouth sores, bleeding gums, irritability, headache, dysentery, blood in the stools, va**nal yellow discharge.

PARTS MOST FREQUENTLY USED: Root, Bark, Stem, Berry, Fruit

FLAVORS/TEMPS: Bitter, Cold, Astringent

CAUTION: Considered safe. Not recommended for pregnant women as it can cause uterine contractions. It is also not recommended for children.

KEY CONSTITUENTS: Isoquinolone alkaloids (most especially: Berberine), Vitamin C, Thiamine, Beta-carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Chromium, Cobalt, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iron

HISTORY/FOLKLORE: Barberry is highly effective at lowering blood sugar levels, making it an herb of choice for diabetics. It helps heal respiratory and bladder infections and aids digestion. It can help control the overgrowth of Candida albicans as well as prescribed antibiotics without the side effects.

*It is said TO HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE by causing dilation of the blood vessels. The University of Maryland Medical Center has shown that barberry is beneficial to both the cardiovascular and neural systems. A constituent found in barberry called berbamine is also thought to help protect your heart from ischemia/reperfusion injury as it also helps strengthen the heart itself. Berberine is known to be a powerful anti-aging, antibacterial, cardiotonic, and antioxidant compound. A powerful healing compound, it is also known for its ability to LOWER BLOOD SUGAR, improve cholesterol, and reduce testosterone levels. It is one of the few compounds known to be as effective as a pharmaceutical drug. Barberry is known to have the highest levels of berberine of all the plants known to contain this important healing compound.

*Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is closely related to Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa/Mahonia). Both contain berberine. Like Oregon grape, barberry stimulates blood flow to the liver helping to improve overall liver function and stimulating the flow of bile. Between Oregon grape and barberry, Oregon grape is considered the stronger of the two species, but contains less of the constituentberberine found in both plants. Barberry on the other hand, is gentle enough to be used by the weak or debilitated in order to strengthen and cleanse their systems. It is also thought to reduce an enlarged spleen. Barberry is often included in liver, gallbladder, colon, and kidney flush formulas.

*Barberry is known to have antibacterial properties that include an ability to fight Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli). Some studies indicate that barberry may ease the symptoms of diarrhea better and more quickly than antibiotics and without the side effects.

*The berries are edible. They are quite sour, with a sharp flavor, and very high in vitamin C. The berries are popularly used in Middle Eastern dishes, especially as an addition to cooked rice, vegetable, and chicken dishes. They are also used to make jams and jellies. In Russia and Ukraine, an extract from the berries is often used in preparing traditional meals.

In TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM,) barberry is considered a strongly downward moving herb. It helps stimulate all digestive secretions helping to break up and remove toxic intestinal obstructions. It is excellent for chronic conditions that have turned to Stagnation. It is also good for moving Blood Stagnation, especially in the Lower Jiao (belly, intestines, uterus, and low back.)

In *ITALY*, the herb is commonly called “Holy Thorn” as it was believed to have formed a part of the crown of thorns Jesus wore.

*NATIVE AMERICANS* taught the early settlers how to use barberry as a medicine. They used the berries to help treat scurvy, gastrointestinal disorders, and coughs.