| When looking for an effective natural treatment for | | | | abnormal growth and to reduce inflammation. |
| psoriasis, look no further than the Oregon grape. You | | | | However, three recent clinical trials have really proven |
| may not have heard of this extraordinary herb that is | | | | that the Oregon grape is a viable treatment |
| now being touted as a safe and extremely | | | | alternative for psoriasis. In one trial the group of |
| successful treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. | | | | patients using 10% concentration in a cream base |
| What exactly is the Oregon grape and why all the | | | | had significantly greater benefits than the patients in |
| hype? | | | | the placebo group. Another study found that using it |
| The Oregon Grape (mahonia aquifolium) is not really a | | | | topically for 12 weeks improved the symptoms in a |
| grape, but an evergreen shrub that gets clusters of | | | | high percentage of the group, whilst yet another |
| purple berries, the color and appearance of which | | | | study found that using Oregon grape was more |
| look a little like grapes. The berries are edible, | | | | beneficial than the standard treatment. It has |
| although quite bitter in taste and usually have to be | | | | therefore been concluded that it is a safe and |
| sweetened to make them palatable. The leaves of | | | | effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. |
| the plant look like holly and the flowers, which appear | | | | Oregon grape can be used in several ways, such as |
| in late spring, are a beautiful yellow color. This | | | | tinctures, creams, ointments and teas. The mounting |
| attractive plant is native to the American northwest | | | | empirical evidence suggests that taking a tincture |
| coast, from British Colombia to Northern California | | | | internally combined with a cream and ointment is an |
| The medicinal properties of the Oregon grape plant | | | | extremely effective treatment for psoriasis. It is |
| have long been known because it contains a high | | | | important to note that even though a standard |
| concentration of berberine. Berberine, found in the | | | | dosage has not been established, it has been found |
| roots and bark, has been identified as having strong | | | | that Oregon grape can cause diarrhea and other |
| antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and | | | | symptoms if taken in too high a dose. It is also not |
| antifungal properties that make it beneficial in the | | | | suitable for pregnant women because evidence has |
| treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema | | | | shown that it can cause uterine contractions in |
| and acne as well as for athlete's foot and other | | | | animals. |
| fungal infections. It has even been suggested that | | | | If you are looking for an effective natural treatment |
| berberine may help prevent heart disease by lowering | | | | for psoriasis, the Oregon Grape seems to be a great |
| cholesterol levels. All these benefits are not mere | | | | choice. Not only has it been scientifically proven to |
| hearsay: several scientific studies have clearly shown | | | | successfully treat psoriasis, but it's safe to use with |
| that berberine has the ability to protect the body | | | | very few side-effects. |
| against cell damage, to slow down the rate of | | | | |