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 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.
Extracts from buying a bulk herb like Bilberry strengthen the capillaries and other small blood vessels. In fact, some people call bilberry the circulatory microplumber. Of course, this means it helps treat varicose veins in the legs. In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
Bilberry’s anthocyanins allow bilberry to possess anticancer qualities. Three mechanisms for bilberry's anti-tumor activities include antioxidation, anticarcinogensis, and apoptosis induction of tumor cells. The bilberry also inhibits the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells.
This ability to increase circulation also affects vision, something especially helpful for the aging. This is one of bilberry’s most popular applications. Bilberry was first studied for its effects on poor night vision. A single dose can improve one’s 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.
On a short term basis bilberry is used to treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar level. Extended use does not damage the circulatory system.
Bilberry herb is both a food and a medicine. Therefore, it can be added to other food to increase flavor. It is also used in jams, pies, cobblers, and cakes. It can be added to salads, meat dishes, soups, stews, and the like. Here is a recipe for bilberry jam: combine 3 lb. of bilberry fruit with 1.5 lb of sugar and 1 cup of water. Boil for 40 minutes. As a medicine, the dosage is usually from 160 to 320 mg of bilberry extract.
There are a few cautions. Bilberry can be overdosed; the side effects can be serious in some people. Because of bilberry’s anti-platelet activity, it may interact with NSAIDs, particularly aspirin. Some experience diarrhea after excessive amounts of bilberry juice but this is not common. Other side effects may include skin rashes, mild digestive distress, or drowsiness. High doses of bilberry leaf can be poisonous, so be careful to maintain the suggested dosage above. Also, be sure to store bilberry in a cool, dark place, and preferably refrigerate or freeze the leaves.
But that's not all Bilberry Fruit can do. Bilberry has been used resulting in a number of other incredible results. Find out more at More Than Alive, an online store for bulk herbs.
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