{"product_id":"oregon-grape-root","title":"Oregon Grape Root","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOREGON GRAPE ROOT\u003c\/strong\u003e | \u003cem\u003eMahonia aquifolium\u003c\/em\u003e (syn. \u003cem\u003eBerberis aquifolium\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSplit open an Oregon grape root and you'll see it: a bright golden-yellow inside, the visual signature of berberine. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and the Northwest Plateau prepared this root as a bitter tonic for indigestion, poor appetite, and general weakness long before settlers arrived. In the 1800s, America's Eclectic physicians, who learned much of their materia medica from Native herbal practice, made Oregon grape root a staple. Today it's Oregon's state flower and still one of the most-used roots in Western herbalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe root is rich in protoberberine alkaloids, including berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine, and jatrorrhizine. That bitterness isn't a flaw; bitter herbs are traditionally used to wake up digestion before a meal.* Preclinical research suggests these alkaloids have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in the lab.* Oregon grape extract has also been studied in several controlled clinical trials as a topical skin cream. That's a different preparation from this tea, so for the cup in your hand, the strongest evidence is traditional: generations of Indigenous and Eclectic use as an internal bitter tonic.*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHY OREGON GRAPE ROOT?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA classic bitter tonic that may support healthy digestion*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay support a healthy appetite, its most documented Indigenous use*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditionally used to support healthy bile flow*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditionally used as an \"alterative\" to support clear, healthy-looking skin from the inside out*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaturally rich in berberine and related alkaloids, the source of its golden color*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreclinical research suggests antioxidant activity*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreclinical research suggests its alkaloids may support a healthy microbial balance*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCenturies of use by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest and Plateau*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA staple root of 19th-century American Eclectic medicine*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairs traditionally with burdock, dandelion, and red clover in skin and spring tonic blends*\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW TO BREW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a dense root, so it needs a decoction, not a quick steep. Add 1 tsp (2 to 3g) of root to 10 oz of water, bring to a boil, then \u003cstrong\u003ecover and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e. Strain and sip. It is truly bitter. That's the point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTip: Herbalists traditionally take bitters in small sips about 15 minutes before a meal, letting the taste register on the tongue. If it's too much, a small spoon of honey or a slice of ginger in the pot softens it without losing the tradition.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINGREDIENTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oregon grape root (\u003cem\u003eMahonia aquifolium\u003c\/em\u003e), cut and sifted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSUGGESTED USE:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 cup daily before a meal. Use in short courses of up to 2 to 3 weeks, then take at least a 1-week break.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ WARNINGS:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePregnancy and breastfeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not use. Berberine can cross the placenta, passes into breast milk, and may worsen jaundice in newborns. \u003cstrong\u003eChildren:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not recommended. \u003cstrong\u003eMedications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berberine can affect the liver enzymes that process many drugs and may change how they work, including cyclosporine. It may also lower blood sugar, so talk to your healthcare provider first if you take diabetes medication or any prescription drug. \u003cstrong\u003eDigestive:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large amounts may cause nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea. Do not exceed suggested use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Herbs, Oils and Things","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45597825728559,"sku":"1099","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/herbsoilsandthings.com\/products\/oregon-grape-root","provider":"Herbs, Oils and Things","version":"1.0","type":"link"}