Oregon grape root is the woody root and bark of Mahonia aquifolium, a woodland
shrub native to the American northwest and portions of Canada. Noted for its
bright blue berries and holly-like leaves that turn scarlet in fall, Oregon
grape is actually harvested for its yellow roots because they contain berberine,
the same active compound found in goldenseal and coptis.
Powdered Oregon grape
root offers a convenient way to use the herb to make oil infusions and salves
for topical use without having to tincture or decoct whole roots and bark.
