• The root and berries from a barberry shrub can be steeped to make a healthy tea.blue cup and tea from a blue tea-pot image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Barberry is a tall shrub that contains yellow flowers and red berries. Barberry tea can be made by steeping two to four grams of dried barberry root or steeping two teaspoons of crushed barberry berries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, medicinal use of barberry tea dates back 2,500 years ago. It can be used to treat a number of health conditions, ranging from infections to neurological problems.
  
  

Hypertension

• Hypertension is characterized by high tension in the arteries. It can be caused by stress and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Barberry contains berberine, which is able to treat hypertension, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
  
  

Epilepsy

• Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes neurons to act abnormally. Convulsions, loss of consciousness and strange behavior can all result from epilepsy. According to a 2005 study (Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 2007, Vol.20(1), 83-92), researchers showed that the barberry fruit opened potassium channels and stoped the seizures associated with epilepsy.
  
  

Urinary Tract Infections

• A urinary tract infection is caused by germs getting into the urethra, according to Seton Family of Hospitals. It can result in painful urination and pain in the back under the ribs. The berberine in barberry tea is thought to have infection-fighting properties, so it can kill the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections, according to Herb Net. The tea is also thought to ease the inflammation of the urinary tract, which causes painful urination.
  
  

Respiratory Tract Infections

• A respiratory infection is an infectious process that can involve the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, or larynx. The root and root bark of a barberry shrub are thought by some to help a recurring fever and cough, according to Herb Net. Barberry tea is also believed by some to boost the immune system to help an infection clear up more quickly.
  
  

Yeast Infections

• A yeast infection occurs when the vulva becomes irritated. Barberry tea is thought to kill candida albicans, which is the bacteria usually responsible for yeast infections.
  
  

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is another condition caused by bacteria. When food is contaminated with salmonella or shigella, the body reacts by getting sick. Barberry tea is thought to kill this bacteria so the body can get over the illness faster, according to Herb Net.
  
  

Gallbladder Disease

• According to Medline Plus, gallbladder disease includes inflammation and obstruction of the gallbladder. Barberry tea is thought to improve bile flow and help relieve the pain associated with gallbladder disease.