Herb guide › Agracejo
Agracejo
A thorny deciduous shrub with gray-brown branches, small oval leaves, yellow flowers, and clusters of elongated red berries. Berberis vulgaris root bark is yellow inside and has a distinctly bitter taste. The berries are tart and acidic and produce a reddish infusion.
Traditionally used for
Indigestion, Poor appetite, Digestive sluggishness, Liver sluggishness
Potential benefits
Liver tonic, antimicrobial, digestive aid, antioxidant, bitter tonic
Ingredients
Agracejo (Berberis vulgaris) root bark and berries
Origin
Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
How it is traditionally prepared
For berry tea, 1–2 tsp dried berries per 8–12 oz water, simmer 10–15 minutes. Avoid routine root-bark tea unless professionally directed. For root-bark tea, 1–2 tsp dried bark decoction, simmer 15-20 minutes; short term.
Cautions and who should avoid it
Contains berberine. Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in newborns or infants. May interact with medications and affect blood sugar or blood pressure. Root preparations should not be used casually as a daily tea.
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