Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium)

Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) is a member of the Berberidaceae family, native to North America, Pacific Northwest, and Western United States. Traditionally, its leaves, bark, and fruits have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Mahonia
Scientific Name	Mahonia aquifolium
Plant Family	Berberidaceae
Genus	Mahonia
Species	aquifolium
Native Range	North America, Pacific Northwest, Western United States
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Bark, Fruits
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Mahonia aquifolium
Common Name: Mahonia
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Oregon Grape, Hollyleaf Mahonia, Oleander
Plant Family: Berberidaceae
Genus: Mahonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Bipinnate leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface lighter green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Terminal clusters of actinomorphic flowers with yellow stamens and red pistils, featuring five sepals and five petals.
Stems: Upright growth habit with alternate branching, smooth surfaces, and persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a gentle bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a mild astringent, for skin-related applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Glycoside: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.