Traditional Uses: Traditionally used in European, Native American, and Ayurvedic medicine as a digestive bitter for indigestion and diarrhea, a liver and gallbladder tonic, and topically for skin conditions and eye infections.
Potential Benefits: The bark exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (primarily from berberine), may support blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, and could be effective against bacterial diarrhea.
Warnings: Avoid during pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions and harm fetus) and breastfeeding; use cautiously with blood thinners, diabetes meds, cyclosporine, and sedatives; may cause GI upset and is not recommended for infants.
