Oregon Grape

 Oregon grape root that I pick and process by hand is one of the four ingredients in the Four Shrubs face and body oil. 

For a long time I mistook this plant for holly because the spiky leaves are very similar in appearance. 

Berberine is an alkaloid that can be found in the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of various shrubs including Oregon Grape - it’s what gives it the distinctive yellow colour you see. 

Berberine extracts and decoctions have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. 

Because if it’s anti-inflammatory properties it can help in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.