T
thelmaMTA
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Bilberry scientific name is Caccinium myrtillus. It is a heath plant, closely related to the blueberry. Bilberry plants grow along mountain ranges in the northern and southern hemispheres where the climate is cool and temperate. The small shrub bears white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers that hang beneath the new leaves and soon after, blue-black berries appear.
The anthocyanins of the bilberry leaf tea are anti-aging substances. These bitter compounds increase blood circulation to blood vessels in the extremities including the brain. They also reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve muscle spasms. Bilberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in Europe. Bilberry fruit contains tannins. It may help with the treatment of diarrhea, sore throat, and mouth inflammations.
By helping to increase circulation, bulk dried herbs like Bilberry benefit the circulatory system by strengthening blood vessel walls and capillaries. Bilberry extracts help strengthen the capillaries and other small blood vessels. In fact, bilberry has been called the circulatory microplumber. This includes help with the treatment of varicose veins in the legs. In treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced and, at the same time, damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
Bilberry is also anticancer. Antioxidation, anticarcinogensis, and apoptosis induction of tumor cells all help to reduce the risk of cancer. The bilberry leaf also inhibits the growth of certain human leukemia cells.
This ability to increase circulation also affects vision, something especially helpful for the aging. This is one of bilberrys most popular applications. Bilberry was first studied for its effects on poor night vision. A single dose can improve ones night vision noticeably. Regular use of the fruit results in quicker adjustment to darkness and glare and improved visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day. Bilberry may be useful in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage.
Bilberry is also used in the treatment of diabetes on a short term basis. It seems to be able to lower blood sugar level. On a long term basis, the circulatory system is not affected in the process.
Bilberry fruits are used as both a food and a medicine. Some use it simply as a flavoring. Berries are also used in jams, pies, cobblers, and cakes. Bilberry leaf can be added to meat dishes, salads, soups, and stews. One recipe for bilberry jam looks like this: combine 3 lb. of bilberry fruit with 1.5 lb of sugar and 1 cup of water. Boil for 40 minutes. A safe medicinal dosage of bilberry leaf is usually from 160 to 320 mg of extract.
Bilberry can be overdosed and side effects can be serious in some. Bilberry possesses anti-platelet activity. Therefore it may interact with NSAIDs, particularly aspirin. Excessive amounts of bilberry juice may cause diarrhea. But reaction is not common. One study says 4% of people studied reacted adversely. The side effects may include mild digestive distress, skin rashes and drowsiness. Chronic use of the bilberry leaf may, in some, lead to serious side effects. High doses of bilberry leaf can be poisonous. Be sure to store bilberry in a cool, dark place, and preferably refrigerate or freeze.
The anthocyanins of the bilberry leaf tea are anti-aging substances. These bitter compounds increase blood circulation to blood vessels in the extremities including the brain. They also reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve muscle spasms. Bilberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in Europe. Bilberry fruit contains tannins. It may help with the treatment of diarrhea, sore throat, and mouth inflammations.
By helping to increase circulation, bulk dried herbs like Bilberry benefit the circulatory system by strengthening blood vessel walls and capillaries. Bilberry extracts help strengthen the capillaries and other small blood vessels. In fact, bilberry has been called the circulatory microplumber. This includes help with the treatment of varicose veins in the legs. In treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced and, at the same time, damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
Bilberry is also anticancer. Antioxidation, anticarcinogensis, and apoptosis induction of tumor cells all help to reduce the risk of cancer. The bilberry leaf also inhibits the growth of certain human leukemia cells.
This ability to increase circulation also affects vision, something especially helpful for the aging. This is one of bilberrys most popular applications. Bilberry was first studied for its effects on poor night vision. A single dose can improve ones night vision noticeably. Regular use of the fruit results in quicker adjustment to darkness and glare and improved visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day. Bilberry may be useful in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage.
Bilberry is also used in the treatment of diabetes on a short term basis. It seems to be able to lower blood sugar level. On a long term basis, the circulatory system is not affected in the process.
Bilberry fruits are used as both a food and a medicine. Some use it simply as a flavoring. Berries are also used in jams, pies, cobblers, and cakes. Bilberry leaf can be added to meat dishes, salads, soups, and stews. One recipe for bilberry jam looks like this: combine 3 lb. of bilberry fruit with 1.5 lb of sugar and 1 cup of water. Boil for 40 minutes. A safe medicinal dosage of bilberry leaf is usually from 160 to 320 mg of extract.
Bilberry can be overdosed and side effects can be serious in some. Bilberry possesses anti-platelet activity. Therefore it may interact with NSAIDs, particularly aspirin. Excessive amounts of bilberry juice may cause diarrhea. But reaction is not common. One study says 4% of people studied reacted adversely. The side effects may include mild digestive distress, skin rashes and drowsiness. Chronic use of the bilberry leaf may, in some, lead to serious side effects. High doses of bilberry leaf can be poisonous. Be sure to store bilberry in a cool, dark place, and preferably refrigerate or freeze.
