10 Health Benefits of Barberry

Barberry is a colorful shrub that thrives throughout the entire growing season. It comes in vibrant shades of green, yellow, and burgundy. In some areas, it is considered an invasive species. Some might have heard of it as a poisonous plant, but it ranks very low on the list and does not detract from the many potential health benefits. To safely enjoy these benefits, which include anti-inflammatory properties and reduction in blood pressure, proponents of the plant recommend taking barberry in supplement form.

Barberry is an anti-inflammatory

Barberry is an alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Whether it is arthritis, lower back pain, or a pulled muscle, the anti-inflammatory properties go to work alleviating the pain. However, Barberry supplements often need time to build up in your system before reaching full effectiveness.

Barberry treats infection and skin conditions

Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary tract infections can be difficult to treat. Some people respond well to antibiotics, while some need a combination of antibiotics and other medications. The anti-inflammatory properties should help reduce the inflammation and pain caused by these disorders. Taking the supplements daily can also help soothe yeast infections of the skin and vagina, acne, and psoriasis.

Barberry strengthens the heart

The berberine contained in barberry protects the heart from the tissue damage that can occur when blood flow is restored after a lack of oxygen. This compound also regulates the concentration of calcium ions inside cells by preventing the activation of the protein calpain, which plays a crucial role in heart failure. This amazing plant can also enhances the contraction of the heart muscles by increasing the sensitivity of cells to calcium, the mineral that regulates muscle contraction.

Barberry lowers blood pressure

High blood pressure may be more manageable after beginning to take barberry supplements. It helps lower blood pressure by enlarging blood vessels that have become constricted, subsequently improving the flow of blood to and from the heart. Consult your doctor before starting a supplement; replacing any existing blood pressure medication with supplements is not recommended.

Barberry can strengthen your immune system

Berberine, that compound in the shrub, can promote optimal immune system function. It stimulates white blood cells, which helps fight infection and promotes overall immunity. When taken daily, it can help kill bacteria and parasites in the digestive system.

Barberry may protect the liver

Although experts say more studies are needed, there is some evidence it may protect against and reduce liver damage. The plant can help maintain normal levels of antioxidant enzymes and prevent liver injury caused by the toxic chemical carbon tetrachloride.

Barberry protects against diabetes

A barberry supplement may strengthen your body’s protection against diabetes, especially type 2 by helping reduce triglyceride and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The plant can also lower fasting insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin. Of course, if you are taking medication for diabetes, you should continue as prescribed.

Barberry may help diarrhea

Anti-diarrheal medications may become a thing of the past once barberry is introduced to your gastrointestinal system. It has astringent properties that help ease traveler’s diarrhea or diarrhea caused by food poisoning. The shrub’s amazing properties go to work on intestinal bacteria and may help ease diarrhea issues faster than antibiotics.

It helps maintain eye health.

There are many home remedies for pink eye and conjunctivitis out there; it can be hard to tell which one will work best. Once again, the berberine in the shrub can come to the rescue here, helping treat symptoms of pink eye. However, remember pink eye is contagious for up to 24 hours, and you may require further medication.

It can soothe indigestion

If taken 15 to 20 minutes before a meal, barberry and its active compound berberine can help prevent indigestion. In this case, taking the plant as an extract will have a faster effect, though you will have to push through the bitter taste.