Berberis aquifolium
The great skin remedy. Clears complexion — psoriasis, eczema, acne, dry rough skin, blotches. Pimply, dry, rough skin. Hepatic stimulant. Used as a "blood purifier" in old literature. Scaly eruptions on scalp.
Source
Prepared from the fresh bark of the root of Mahonia aquifolium (Berberidaceae).
Available Potencies
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Keynote Symptoms
Skin affections — the chief use. Psoriasis, eczema, acne, dry rough scaly skin. Complexion sallow, blotchy, pimply. Scaly eruptions on scalp. Acts as a "blood purifier" (old terminology for systemic detox). Hepatic stimulant. Mother tincture widely used for skin conditions. Cachexia.
Mind & Emotional Symptoms
Dull, apathetic. Listless.
General Symptoms
Skin and liver. Worse from cold, damp. Better from warmth.
Physical Symptoms
Head
Scaly eruptions on scalp. Dandruff. Itching scalp.
Face
Acne. Blotchy complexion. Pimples. Sallow. Dry, rough skin.
Stomach
Nausea. Hepatic torpor. Jaundice.
Skin
Psoriasis — the primary indication. Eczema, dry and scaly. Acne. Rough, pimply skin. Scaly eruptions. Herpes. Ichthyosis. Dry, rough skin improves with use. Mother tincture 5-10 drops 3x daily for skin.
Modalities
Better From
Warmth
Worse From
Cold, damp
Constitutional Type
Sallow, pimply individuals. Those with chronic skin conditions. Hepatic types.
Clinical Indications
Psoriasis, eczema, acne, dry rough skin, scaly scalp, complexion improvement, hepatic sluggishness
Comparative Materia Medica
Berberis vulgaris has more kidney and back symptoms. Sulphur has skin eruptions but with burning and itching. Arsenicum has dry scaly skin but with burning and restlessness. Petroleum has cracked, dry skin in winter.
Safety Information
Not well established.
Oregon grape contains berberine alkaloids. Low toxicity. Widely used in herbal medicine and as an ornamental plant. Safe in all potencies and mother tincture.
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