Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium
Origin: United States
Active Compounds: Berberine, hydrastis
Properties: bitter, astringent, alterative, cholagogue, laxative, anti-emetic, anticatarrhal,
tonic, hepatic, Antibacterial; Antitumor; Blood tonic; diuretic; Ophthalmic. Contains berberine, the same compound in Goldenseal and often used as a substitute. Because it has a bitter flavor, it is taken encapsulated as a supplement. An oil infusion can be made and used in salves and ointments.