Oregon Grape Root 4:1

History:

Oregon-Grape leaves greatly resemble holly leaves, and the plant bears beautiful yellow flowers and small, tart, purplish-black fruits that resemble grape clusters. Oregon-Grape, the State Flower of Oregon, derives its name from its use as an herbal medicine and food along the Oregon Trail, and that popularity as a food and health aid nearly led to its extinction in the late nineteenth century. The plant was also included in the traditional diets and medicines of the Pacific Northwest aboriginal peoples. Both the leaves and root bark of this evergreen perennial are used therapeutically, and the root, containing the powerful alkaloid, berberine, was officially included in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1905 to 1916. Oregon-Grape was originally thought to be a species of Berberis and later determined to belong to its own genus, Mahonia, but all the species belong to the same plant family. Oregon-Grape closely resembles Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) in its chemistry and is used in similar ways, but the slightly different composition of the antiseptic alkaloid, berberine, makes it the preferred liver support. Oregon-Grape has been called Yerba de la Sangre (Herb of the Blood), indicating its importance as a support for pure blood. The smaller Mahonia repens (Creeping Oregon-Grape) is also used by herbalists for similar therapeutic applications. Oregon-Grape was included in many culinary preparations, including a jelly that is rich in vitamin C, and the root was also used as a greenish-yellow dye (the berries were a source of purple dye). Blackfoot Indians called it Ot-to-gue and used it for rectal and stomach health. The Kwakiutls made a bark tea as a liver support, and Oregon-Grape was also found to be a beneficial disenfectant for open boils and wounds. In Europe today, Oregon-Grape is used topically as a support for skin health. Some of the principal constituents in Oregon-Grape include alkaloids (especially berberine, berbamine, isocorydin and oxyacanthine), tannins and vitamin C.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Berberine-containing plants (Barberry, Oregon-Grape, Goldenseal, etc.) should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Those who suffer from hyperthyroid conditions should not take Oregon Grape Root Herbal Supplement, and diabetics should use Oregon-Grape Root only under the supervision of a physician. There is some evidence that berberine may interfere with the efficacy of tetracycline medications. High doses (many times the recommended amount) may cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure and lowered heart rate, lethargy, nosebleed, skin, eye and kidney irritation. Do not take Oregon-Grape Root if you have chronic diarrhea, a duodenal ulcer or excessive stomach acid, as it could make these conditions worse. Oregon- Grape root is not recommended for prolonged use.

Capsule Information:
Our Oregon Grape Root 4:1 supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.