Barberry Root (Berberis vulgaris) is prepared from the yellow bark of the root of the Barberry Plant. It is a shrub with gray, thorny branches that can grow to 9 feet. It sports yellow flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. Barberry is often found as a garden hedge. In the 19th century, New England settlements used this plant as a source of jam and yellow dye. The stem, root bark, and fruit of barberry contain berberine, which is linked to an array of beneficial properties.
Barberry is used to promote overall health and well-being. The active component, Berberine has been linked to an array of beneficial properties.