Originally from India, Barberry has been used in Europe and the U.S. as a bitter tonic, antipyretic, and anti-hemorrhagic. The herb also contains the B-vitamin thiamine, vitamin C, the carotenoids beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, chromium, cobalt, and zinc. Adults should limit the use of barberry to seven consecutive days at a time, waiting at least a week before using barberry again.