Mother Nature’s Pantry

Digestive Dynamo: The Oregon Grape

Don’t let its small size fool you—Oregon grape, (Mahonia aquifolium) packs a punch! Its roots and inner bark contain a bitter alkaloid called berberine, which stimulates your liver and gallbladder to release bile and digestive juices. That action loosens the system, making it a very powerful laxative when used medicinally.  Berberine also slows harmful gut bacteria, supports liver detox, and reduces inflammation, making Oregon grape a good digestive tonic in traditional medicine and when prepared by a professional.

The Oregon grape berries are tasty and tart – however if you eat too many of them, you'll feel it — medical reports note they can cause vomiting, reduced heart rate, and grogginess when overconsumed. 

Oregon grape berries may pop with vitamin C and sweet and sour flavor, but the root is where the medicine lives. Treat it like nature’s sensitive gut cleanser—and only sip sparingly!