Herb of the Week: Oregon Grape

First, Oregon grape is also known as mountain grape, rocky mountain grape, holly-leaved barberry, California barberry, and mahonia. In fact, this herb's scientific name was originally (and is still used by most commercial horticulturists) Mahonia aquifolium but has been included in the berberis genus so you might actually see it named Berberis aquifolium. Wonder if this gives this herb a confused personality?? Just kidding. The parts used of this plant are its rhizome (plant stem) and roots. But, what do people use it for?

This herb is what's called a blood purifier that is also a liver stimulant. What is a blood purifier? An herb that's considered a blood purifier is one that favorably alters the condition of the blood by helping it absorb nutrients more efficiently and eliminates wastes/toxins as well as helps balance the pH of the blood (aka an alterative herb). But, can you see how being a blood purifier also gets the liver working? As you know, the liver is the main filtration organ of our bodies so if waste products are being moved out of our blood stream, you can bet your ass that the liver needs to get stimulated to get to work! So, it's also considered a hepatic (helps the liver and increases bile flow from the liver) herb. Oregon grape helps improve chronic skin diseases, digestive issues (because the liver is now considered part of the digestive system), jaundice and any kidney or liver troubles.

What are its witchcraft functions? Cleansing is one that makes a ton of sense. It's also used in protection and inner strength building spells/rituals, as well as helps with grounding and setting boundaries. Use it as a floor wash to cleanse your home of negative energies by decocting (simmered it in water) it into a tea then using it to wash your floors. Plant it on your property to establish energetic boundaries. If you can find it growing somewhere, you can also use it's thorny branches in spells/rituals to keep people away or for "justice" magic.

Say "hello" to this bushy, thorny, plant friend with its grape-like berries next time you see it on a hike and thank it for all that it can do for us! Oh, and if you're wondering if those berries are edible... yes, they are but they're also sour grapes!