People of the Berberis type suffer from various disorders produced by precipitation of metabolic waste products in organs and tissues. Their common complaints include crystal induced arthritis, gout and kidney and gallbladder stone disease. The colicky pains of Berberis posses a highly characteristic paths of radiation from the kidneys downwards into the pelvis and hip, and from the liver into the periumbilical area.

During a colic, these people display profound weakness, paleness, hollow cheeks and sunken eyes. Rest relieves their complaints. The inner aspect of the upper lip is often crimson, with red and blue spots at the corners of the mouth.

Berberis is widely used in the treatment of metabolic joint disorders, diseases of liver, and kidney, and gallbladder stone disease.