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Bilberry
Bilberry refers to a perennial shrub that has been used in herbal therapy since
the 16th century and is also known by its botanical name, Vaccinium myrtillus.
Also known as Black whortleberry, Bleaberry, Blueberry, Burren myrtle, Dyeberry,
Huckleberry, Hurtleberry, Trackleberry, Whinberry, Whortleberry, Wineberry,
and Whorts; Bilberry is native to Europe and the Northern United States of America.
Bilberry is a member of the heath family and grows: in the woods and forest
meadows in Europe; and in sandy areas, acid soil, forests, heaths, rocky barrens,
and bog and tundra in the Northern United States. It has an angular, green,
branched stem that can grow to heights of 1 to 1 ½ feet. Its leaves are first
rosy, then yellowish-green, and in autumn red. The leaves have a leathery feel
and are shiny on its top. The leaves range in length from ½ inch to 1 inch.
In May and June, bilberry flowers appear. Bilberry flowers are either reddish-pink
or red and white with a pitcher-shaped corolla. Bilberry produces a five seeded
berry, which grow is twos or threes at the base of the leaves, that is usually
a blue-black colour, although in some areas the colour may be red. Its root,
berries and leaves contain bilberry’s medicinal properties.
First used in Europe during the sixteenth century as an herbal remedy due to
its astringent, tonic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic qualities; bilberry
has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. During World War Two, bilberry
attained the reputation of enhancing night vision. Consequently, bilberry has
also been used as a folk remedy for individuals that are afflicted with poor
vision. Currently, bilberry is used to strengthen capillaries due to the presence
of anthocyanosides within bilberry. By strengthening capillaries, bilberry is
an appealing treatment with individuals that are afflicted with poor blood circulation
and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Bilberry is also used in vision
problems due to the presence of nutrients that improve circulation to the eyes.
Bilberry berries have been cited in increasing insulin production and has been
used in the treatment of: diabetes; sinusitis; kidney and bladder problems;
ulcers; and diarrhea. Bilberry fruit has been used in the treatment of: anemia,
consumptive wasting, scurvy, urinary complaints, indigestion, and colitis. Bilberry
roots have been used in the treatment of dropsy and urinary stones. Bilberry
can also be used externally as a treatment to skin problems such as sores, wounds,
ulcers, and burns.
Bilberry is available in a number of different forms as an herbal supplement.
It is recommended that bilberry leaves should be gathered when the plant is
fully developed but prior to the berries being ripe. If used as an infusion,
the recommended dosage is 2 to 3 tsp of leaves in 1 cup of water, with 1 cup
drank per day. If used as an extract or tincture, the recommended dosage is
a mixture of water and 15 to 40 drops of bilberry, drunk three times per day.
If used as a capsule, the recommended dosage is 1 to 3 capsules per day. Although
bilberry use has not been associated with any serious side effect, it is recommended
that insulin-dependent diabetics avoid its use as an infusion unless its use
is supervised by a doctor. This is due to bilberry’s interference with iron
absorption. Additionally, long term use of bilberry leaves can lead to symptoms
of poisoning.
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