1. Oregon Grape - Mahonia aquifolium

Flavor: Bitter, Sour

Energetics: Very Cold, Very Dry, Tonifying

Element: Fire

Triune balance: Balance towards Brain/Vata/Mercury/Qi

Growth: Sun - Partial | Soil - acidic, well drained, hummus | hardiness - 5-9 | Roots - Deep, slow spreading | Ecology - Feeds birds, mammals, pollinator, purify ground/space of microbes

Through her sharp leaves and even sharper bitterness Oregon Grape embodies defense for herself and her berries. She offers the world the fierceness of a protective mother. The berries are edible and nutritious, though quite tart, while the primary medicine is gathered from the inner bark. Personally, this was one of the first local plants that called to me - attracting me through vibrant coloration and a quiet estate. Bright green and red leaves, blue berries, and upon investigation, turmeric-yellow inner bark. She prefers to take her stance in the dark forest floor, notably growing in the shadow of Ponderosa Pine and Elderflower within the North Pacific coast region. She communicates defense to her environment and to our own internal environments - intensely purifying the digestive system and blood stream of unwanted microbes, while alleviating pain. Emotionally, she aids one in putting up defenses where needed, while clearing stagnation. In this way, she supports lethargic and overwhelmed depression.

Many assume that the root bark is the only part of the plant that can be used, uprooting entire plants to obtain the medicine - this simply isn't true. Snapping a larger branch near the base of the plant, provides access to the same medicinal values.

Actions: Bitter, analgesic, astringent, febrifuge, anthelmintic, hepatonic, Diuretic, laxative

Uses: Natural Antibiotic (anthelmintic, antimicrobial, anti-fungal), inflammation modulating, skin infections, GI pain, anti-depressant (overheated emotional depression - increases serotonin) tonify gallbladder, tonify liver, blurred vision, psoriasis & eczema (weepy), herpes, acne, expel toxins.

Constituents: Berberine, berbamine, hydrastine, vitamin C, isoquinoline, isocorydin, oxycanthine, tannins, resins

Contraindications: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding

Not recommended for individuals with dry or cold constitution

Oregon Grape is an Antibiotic - if used over a period of 3 or more days, follow up with probiotics & prebiotics