WILD FRUITS AND BERRIES – BARBERRY (BERBERIS VULGARIS) (INTRODUCTION)

Roaming through the valleys of the Swiss cantons of Valais and Graubuenden, bright with the autumn sun and a riot of colours, the happy wanderer will find not only hedgerow after hedgerow of wild rose hips, but also many bushes replete with sprays of barberries. Of course, barberries grow in other areas too, but wherever they are, most people go past the wild fruits without realising that they have wonderful healing powers. The clusters of these red oblong berries are a delight to the eye and, together with autumn flowers and leaves, make a beautiful bouquet. Still, few people are aware that these berries can be eaten and are, in fact, one of the best nerve tonics available. No other wild berries are as rich in vitamin Ñ and many people suffering from ‘nerves’ could, on their walks in the country, benefit enormously by picking some and chewing them slowly before swallowing them. A general checkup of the population would no doubt prove that many people nowadays need such a tonic.

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