Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
Why We Love It:
Though the name may seem misleading, the fruit of the Oregon grape plant are not actually grapes. In fact, Oregon grape is a flowering shrub that has been used by humans for hundreds of years. Motherlove uses the roots of Oregon grape in our Diaper Balm and Diaper Oil. Oregon grape is a key ingredient because of its ability to soothe gentle areas of the skin without causing irritation or discomfort.
Oregon grape has traces of berberine in it, so you should not ingest the herb if you are pregnant.
What It Looks Like:
Oregon grape is a small, low-growing shrub with evergreen leaves that turn red in the fall. The holly-like leaflets have prickly edges that typically grow in pairs. In the spring, it produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters on terminal spikes. The flowers later turn into purple berries that can be made into jam, jellies, or juice.
