|
| |
|
Name |
|
|
Bilberry |
|
Biological Name |
|
|
Vaccinium myrtillus |
|
Other Names: |
|
|
Black whortleberry, blueberry, burren myrle, dyeberry, huckleberry,
hurleberry, whinberry, whortleberry, wineberry, Bilberry |
|
Parts Used |
|
|
Fruit |
|
Active Compounds |
|
|
Anthocyanosides, the bioflavonoid complex in bilberries, are potent
antioxidants. They support normal formation of connective tissue and
strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve
capillary and venous blood flow. |
|
History |
|
|
The dried berries
and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a wide variety of
conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections, and kidney
stones. Perhaps the most sound historical application is the use of
the dried berries for the treatment of diarrhea. Modern research of
bilberry was partly based on its use by British World War II pilots,
who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry
jam prior to night bombing raids.
Traditionally, both
the leaves and berries of this shrub has been used as an astringent.
A decoction of the berries was employed for fevers. The juice of the
berries was used as a gargle and mouthwash for catarrh.
Extracts of bilberry have antiviral
in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza, and vaccinia
viruses. Kills or inhibits the growth of funguses, yeasts, and
bacteria. It also kills protozoans such as Trichomonas vaginalis.
Bilberry is an anti-inflammatory herb.
Anthocyanins in the herb act to prevent capillary fragility and
inhibit platelet aggregation. Also has potential for the prevention
of thrombosis and may reverse attacks of angina from results of
animal studies. Was found to prevent atherosclerosis in cholesterol
loaded animals.
Further, bilberry is an antihistamine; it improves vision and has
potential for the treatment of pigmentary retinitis. |
|
Remedies For |
|
|
Bilberry may help in
the treatment of:
Atherosclerosis
Bruising
Cataracts
Circulation
Diabetes
Macular degeneration
Night blindness
Retinopathy
Varicose veins
Recent research
showed that Bilberry extract has promising anti-ulcer activity, both
preventive and curative. It also has shown anti-cancer properties in
animal experiments.
When administered to diabetes patients, Bilberry normalized
capillary collagen thickness and blood sugar levels in humans and
animals. |
|
Description |
|
|
A close relative of
American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern Europe, Canada, and
the United States. The ripe berries are used. The leaves may also
contain beneficial compounds.
A shrubby perennial plant that grows in the sandy areas of the
northern US and in the woods and forest meadows of Europe. The
angular, green, branched stem grows from a creeping rootstock to a
height of 1 to 1.5 feet. The leaves are alternate, obovate to ovate,
weakly serrate, dark green and shiny on top and 0.5 to 1 inch long.
The reddish pink or red and white, solitary, auxiliary flowers have
a pitcher shaped corolla and appear in May and June. The fruit is
usually blue-black; it may be red in some cases. The berry is
5-seeded. |
|
Dosage |
|
|
People often take
240-480 mg per day of bilberry herbal extract in capsules or tablets
standardized to provide 25 % anthocyanosides.
Berries: 1 teaspoon
dried berries with 1 cup of water, 1 cup per day
Tincture: Take 15 to 40 drops in water, 3 or more times a day as
needed. |
|
Safety |
|
|
In recommended
amounts, there are no known side effects with bilberry extract.
Bilberry does not
interact with commonly prescribed drugs, and there are no known
contraindications to its use during pregnancy or lactation.
Leaves can produce symptoms of poisoning if used over long periods.
back to top |
|
