What is Mahonia aquifolium?
Mahonia aquifolium is widespread in the forests of North America, and is also known as the cultivated plant Mahonia. It is commonly found in gardens and parks growing as high as 1 – 2 metres with ever-green, leathery pinnate leaves, with a very shiny upper surface and a thorny toothed edge. Its yellow buds develop into blue , frost-covered berries which contain a dark-red juice and contain 2-5 shiny seeds. The berries are edible and are used to make wine and brandy. The bark of roots and stems contain alkaloids which have a number of therapeutic properties. In North American medicine, Mahonia aquifolium has been traditionally used to treat fever, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, gout, rheumatic ailments, kidney and liver diseases, but most prominently for skin complaints. However, only in the last five years have scientists discovered how and why this herbal extract is so beneficial for psoriasis sufferers. M-Folia.
