We began appreciating the barberry extract called berberine a long time ago. Our initial interest was aroused when we came across a study that reported the results of berberine treatment on the heart condition of 156 patients. Other therapeutic uses of barberry have been known since antiquity but this cardiac aspect was new and considering the epidemic of cardiac disease in our society this was very exciting. These patients were all suffering of congestive heart failure (weak heart strength) and irregular heart beat among other complaints. After 8 weeks of taking this herbal extract there was significant improvement in shortness of breath, ease of walking, exercise capacity, and even in objective laboratory tests like the ventricular ejection test, which was markedly improved. More importantly, after 2 years of follow up there were only half as many deaths in the berberine treated group from stroke, heart attacks or congestive heart failure than in the comparison group.

All of this from a natural herb that had virtually no side effects!

Soon it became clear to us that this plant extract could be given not only as a medication but also could be immensely helpful as a nutritional support to the millions of people who are just beginning to suffer from one form or another of weak heart or have stresses resulting ultimately in heart exhaustion. (It is estimated that currently over 2 million people are in the early stages of congestive heart failure.) Significantly here was at last an herb that addressed specifically the vitality of the cardiovascular system, as opposed to dealing only with the much publicized blood fats problem (but, yes, berberine also maintains normal cholesterol levels with a mechanism that is completely different from the statins). When going to the doctor, a patient suffering of mild shortness of breath with any type of exertion, or slight leg swelling at night, fatigue, rapid heart beat, and more, may be dismissed as merely needing “some rest” when in fact a more considered heart strengthening may be indicated.

Slowly the potential global significance of the berberine extract became even more evident. In lectures to doctors R. Steiner presents some surprising findings of his spiritual scientific research. (Introducing Anthroposophical Medicine, Anthroposophic Press, 1999) He explains that modern transportation leads to a pronounced heart weakness, since the effect of the high speed moving vehicles on the passively transported persons, creates a tremendous stress on the cardio vascular system.

Could it be that daily transportation itself is a major cause of cardio vascular weakness? More importantly what can be done about it?

In his above mentioned lectures R. Steiner mentions eurhythmy exercises as a means to harmonize the body and soul again and thus heal the heart. But how can that be accomplished with a substance, something that could be effectively and quickly taken at home after a drive, flight, trip, etc, in order to more quickly overcome that discombobulated feeling one often gets? Could that be the berberine?  We think so. R. Steiner valued the barberry highly. He indicated that it helps to strengthen the proper connection of the soul (astral body) to the physical body.

And indeed, commuters, traveling business people, the sacrificing parents who ferry their children back and forth, vacationers, and in short anybody who needs to frequently get from point A to B,  can potentially overcome jet lag, car fatigue, motion sickness, etc. with the berberine extract!  

Berberine Forte™ really helps. Whether you take it as a nutritional supplement, one to two capsules daily, or as directed by your physician for maintaining a healthy heart or whether you take it only occasionally to overcome travel/motion stress, the benefits will soon become evident. One such traveler took 2 berberine capsules after a long car ride. Within hours he felt refreshed and able to concentrate better. Next morning he woke up clear headed and invigorated. Generally this man needed days to properly recover from his trips. We now routinely recommend Berberine Forte™ to all who feel that they are exhausted by modern transportation.

Barberry has many, many other uses. No wonder that this plant has been so highly valued over the centuries. In the last 7 years alone over 1400(!) studies have dealt with berberine. We will soon publish a comprehensive review of the many other uses of berberine.

Products labeled as “barberry” can be very irritating on the gut. The True Botanica Berberine Forte™, however, with its unique formulation is extremely well tolerated. Moreover, it is formulated such that for the first time a truly “holistic” berberine product is available where the salts and ashes of the herb are included in order to further improve the effectiveness. Best of health!

 (The above comments are meant for educational purposes only. Do not take if breast feeding. Do not give to infants. Always seek the approval of a doctor before starting a medical treatment.)