Berberis Aquifolium

An evergreen North American shrub that homoeopaths traditionally use for skin complaints, especially dry, scaly patches, pimples and a dull complexion.

Berberis aquifolium, the Oregon grape, is an evergreen shrub of western North America in the barberry family. It has spiny, holly-like leaves, dense clusters of yellow flowers in early spring and dark bluish-black berries. The root is the part used to prepare the remedy.

In homoeopathy it is above all a skin remedy. It is traditionally used for dry, rough, scaly skin, scaly patches such as those of psoriasis, acne, pimples and blotches, and itching. Older texts also connect it with a sluggish liver and with a dull, blotchy complexion.

• Dry, scaly skin
• Psoriasis patches
• Acne and pimples
• Itching
• Dull complexion