Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Barberry the Safety Factor
In high doses, barberry can cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions, hazardous drops in blood pressure, and depression of heart rate and breathing. Those with heart disease or chronic respiratory problems should be careful not to take large doses and should take this herb only with the knowledge and approval of their physicians.
Berberine may stimulate the uterus. Thus, pregnant women should not use it.
Barberry is a powerful herb and it should be used cautiously by otherwise healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults. Barberry should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. If barberry causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. If it causes dizziness or faintness, stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Native Cultivation - You Can Always Make Jam
Barberry is a perennial shrub that reaches 8 feet. It has smooth gray bark, long spines, and hanging clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring.
Barberry grows easily in the Northeast and Midwest. Plant seed in the fall in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Germination occurs the following spring. The shrub can also be propagated from cuttings.
Barberry prefers sun but tolerates shade. Prune and thin the branches in the spring after the shrub flowers. Neglected shrubs become overgrown and unhealthy, but can be rejuvenated by fertilizing and cutting back to within a foot of the ground in late winter. In areas with cold winters, shelter the plant from the wind. Harvest the root bark in spring or fall, and dry.
This herb’s edible berries are used to make jams and jellies.
The berry juice may substitute for lemon juice.