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oregon grape

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oregon grape

oregon grape

Not a grape, but a powdery purplish-black colored blue berry that clusters like grape, with shiny holly-like leaves and clusters of bright yellow bell-shaped edible flowers. Edible berries are quite tart with large seeds. The roots have the strongest medicinal strength. Contains alkaloid berberine, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial to treat infections. Has a direct action on the skin when applied topically. Good for gums. Over 80% effective in relieving psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, acne and dry scaly skin. Alkaloids extracted from the root and bark have strong anti-microbial, anti-tumor and antifungal properties, and are potent antioxidants which neutralize skin damaging free radicals. Also used for prostate, blood cleanser, kidney, liver, gallbladder, diuretic, laxative. Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take with licorice which cancels-out the berberine effectiveness. Inner bark and roots bright yellow and used as yellow dye. Flowers used to make lemonade-type drink.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz

Oregon grape

of Oregon. [Flower Symbolism: Golenpaul, 640]
Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
Oregon grape's waxy, holly-shaped leaves; edible, blue berries; and low growth make the shrub a popular ornamental in Pacific Coast states.
Oregon Grape Root Extract is available from Advanced Nutrition, (opposite the Queen's Head Hotel), Morpeth and Healthichoice, 32 Bow Street, Blyth.
Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape) types are much later flowering, not producing their displays until late winter.
The lean planting scheme includes Hall's honeysuckle, a Japanese maple, and Oregon grape. The pond is fringed with sweet alyssum, Vinca minor, and woolly thyme.
They are scented of freshly-baked cakes and will change in to dark blue berries, hence the common name Oregon Grape.
Whole understory communities-sword ferns, sphagnum moss, salmonberry, salal, spike moss, huckleberry, Oregon grape, and young conifers-cover every square foot of ground.
Sales of Oregon grape wines rose 14% last year, according to the Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service.
Beargrass, for example, could be used to create white patterns or dyed yellow by using lichen or Oregon grape. Maidenhair fern stems were good for glossy black sections of a basket.
Oregon Grape Root Extract is available from AdvancedNutrition, Bridge Street, 14 Sandersons Arcade, Morpeth, Northumberland, (opposite the Queens Head Hotel).
The usual treatment is with antibiotics, but herbs that contain berberine, such as Oregon grape and barberry, can inhibit the bacteria.
(Thanks to Stan Gran, Progressive Viticulture Inc.; Ed Hell-man, Texas A & M University; Stirling Fox, Oregon Grape Management Inc.
For more lasting effects there's Oregon grape or Mahonia aquifolium Atropurpureum, an evergreen shrub whose bright green leaves turn red-purple.
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