I WRITE in response to your reader's herbal query on "Berberis" (Saturday, May 18).

This plant is listed under its common name of Mountain Grape in the very excellent book "The Holistic Herbal" written by David Hoffman and published by Element Books.

Briefly, besides being an anti-catarrhal aid, it can be used in the treatment of chronic and scaly skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, stomach and gall bladder conditions, and also as a laxative.

More in-depth information including preparation and dosage is found in this book.

J Long

Old Barn Place

Bromley Cross, Bolton