Oregon Grape Root – Mahonia spp.
Oregon Grape root is a wonderful herb to have on hand during the winter. It is native to the western part of North America and can be found from the Rocky Mountains west to along the Pacific coast. It has beautiful blue berries and on many species the leaves turn red in the autumn. All species can be used medicinally. The roots are the most commonly used part and can be harvested from midsummer through winter.
It is excellent for mucus membranes that have become stagnant, thick and boggy. This, along with its antibacterial properties, makes it excellent for treating respiratory infections such as bronchitis. Its powerful antibacterial properties are effective against even the toughest strains of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Many of our antibiotics are resistant to these infections, making Oregon Grape Root a very important herb. Part of its powerful antibacterial properties come from its berberine content. This constituent lends the roots their characteristic yellow color and is also found in Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), Goldthread (Coptis trifolia), and Barberry (Berberis vulgaris).
In addition, it is used to treat digestive and urinary tract infections. It’s a bitter tonic and can be used to stimulate digestive secretions, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients. As a result it also increases strength and stamina, especially if fatigue and sluggishness is from anemia. Oregon Grape was traditionally used as a “blood purifier” or alterative and can help the body to eliminate wastes. It is a liver and gall bladder stimulant and is excellent for skin conditions resulting from a sluggish liver, such as dry scaly eczema and psoriasis. Externally, a wash can be used for abrasions and wounds to speed healing and prevent infection.
The berries are edible both raw and cooked and were traditionally dried and used in pemmican mixtures by many indigenous communities in North America. The root is also used to produce a yellow dye. It has beautiful yellow flowers with a light fragrance and a variety of species are commonly used as ornamentals. Energetically, it is the flower of acceptance and the flower essence is a cooling remedy for fiery people who tend to be over critical and perfectionists. It helps to transform self-criticism to self-love.
Oregon Grape has very similar properties to Goldenseal but is not endangered. Please use Oregon Grape whenever possible in place of Goldenseal.
Oregon Grape Jam
2 cups Mahonia berries
2 cups Sucanat (or other preferred sweetener)
1 cup water
Place the berries, Sucanat and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, and put through food mill if needed to remove more of the pulp and seeds. Place in jars and let cool. The berries are naturally high in pectin so you do not need to add pectin. For a thicker jam, add some under ripe berries which have a higher pectin content.
Enjoy!
To learn more about great herbs to have at home to keep your whole family healthy, check out our upcoming FREE program – Five Important Herbs To Have At Home. And don’t miss Teresa Koby’s upcoming series, Herbs and Nutrition for Family Health!
