Oregon Grape Root

(Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon Grape — Mahonia aquifolium (also classified as Berberis aquifolium) — is a striking evergreen shrub of the barberry family (Berberidaceae) native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, from British Columbia south through Oregon and California. With its holly-like leaves, clusters of bright yellow flowers, and deep blue-purple berries, it is one of the most visually distinctive plants of the western American landscape — and the state flower of Oregon. The root and root bark have a long history of use in the traditional botanical practices of Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples, and Oregon Grape Root entered the American herbal tradition in the 19th century as one of the most important native North American botanicals. The root’s most notable characteristic is its vivid golden-yellow color, which comes from its exceptionally high concentration of berberine — one of the most studied alkaloids in botanical medicine.

The root is exceptionally rich in isoquinoline alkaloids and related phytochemicals including berberine (the primary and most abundant alkaloid, responsible for the characteristic yellow color), berbamine, oxyacanthine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, hydrastine, tannins, resin, and phytosterols. Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms.

Product Highlights

• Cut & sifted and powdered root of Mahonia aquifolium — Oregon Grape Root
• One of the richest plant sources of berberine — the characteristic golden-yellow isoquinoline alkaloid
• A foundational botanical of Pacific Northwest Indigenous herbal tradition
• Also contains berbamine, oxyacanthine, columbamine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine
• Distinctive vivid yellow color — a hallmark of high berberine content
• A significant native North American botanical with a long history in American herbalism
• Available in Cut & Sifted and Powder forms

How to Use

Herbal Tea (Decoction): Simmer 1 teaspoon of cut & sifted root in 8 oz of water for 15–20 minutes; strain. The flavor is intensely bitter — characteristic of its high alkaloid content. Tincture: Use in alcohol-based tincture preparations — the preferred traditional preparation for root material. Powder: Encapsulate or blend into formulas. Topical Preparations: Powdered Oregon Grape Root is used in traditional salve and poultice preparations. Herbal Blends: Combines with goldenseal, barberry, and dandelion root in traditional bitter root formulas.

Available in Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Powder (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz).

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Not recommended during pregnancy. Keep out of reach of children.