Oregon grape is an amazing plant from medicinal purposes to a natural dye. The Native Americans used it extensively. They used its medicinal properties, that come from the chemical berberine, to treat many aliments including syphilis, arthritis, stomach issues, hemorrhages, tuberculosis and itchy eyes. They also used the yellow root (since it contains more berberine than the stem) to dye baskets, wool or porcupine quills- see video above. They also ate the fruit and dried them to preserve (dried Oregon grape tastes like cranberries) and also made jelly out of the fruit. One can also make wine out of the berries.

The medicinal benefits are caused by a chemical called berberine that is also found in goldenseal that can be used as an alternative. It is an antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal.

It can help with heart health, regulating blood sugar, chronic candida, stomach ulcers, and eczema. There are many more uses and it is an incredible plant!