medicinal herbs
Berberis wallichiana

Herb latin name: Berberis wallichiana

Synonyms: Berberis asiatica

Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)

Medicinal use of Berberis wallichiana:

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity.

Description of the plant:

Plant:

Shrub

Height:

3 m
(9 ³/₄ foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Open ground at elevations of 2000 - 3400 metres in Nepal.

Edible parts of Berberis wallichiana:

Fruit - raw.

Other uses of the herb:

A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Propagation of Berberis wallichiana:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Germination averages out at about 90%. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame. Suckers, removed in late autumn/early winter and planted out in situ or potted up and planted out in late spring.

Cultivation of the herb: