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Bilberry (huckleberry)
Vaccinium myrtillus
This page contains information on bilberry and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments, to treat ailments and problems, such as eye ailments, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and varicose veins.
On this page
Please note that we are not advocating that people stop using their normal medication, but would like to make people aware that some alternative therapies can be very effective to help treat problems and create a healthier, younger and more vital you. For more information on our range of products, please click here.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Family |
Ericaceae |
Genus and specie |
Vaccinum myrtillus |
Huckleberry, European blueberry, whortleberry, bogberry and hurtleberry.
Bilberry is a dwarf shrub, reaching 50 cm in height, with thin ovate leaves. Flowers have ovoid petals, which are red or pink and appear in spring. The herb bears berries as a fruit.
The ripe dried fruits are used, although the leaves can also be used.
Bilberry fruit has astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and powerful anti-oxidant properties and has been used for scurvy, as well as urinary infections and stones.
The main ingredients are catechol tannins and proanthocyanidins, as well as anthocyanins, flavonoids, iridoids glycosides (asperuloside and monotropein)and phenolic acids.
It reduces the levels of blood lipids and glucose and has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-exudative and anti-ulcerous properties and improves the permeability of capillaries and wound healing, while inhibiting platelet aggregation.
- Internal use
- Bilberries are globally used as a treatment for various eye ailments and eye fatigue, and are found to be especially effective in the treatment of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- The assumption is held that this is due to the effects of the anthocyanocides contained in the berries.
- It is not known as to why the berries are particularly effective in the treatment of eye ailments, but various studies prove that this is the case.
- In one Italian study, 50 people with early stage cataracts were given Bilberry extracts 3 times a day in conjunction with vitamin E.
- The treatment stopped the progression of the cataracts in 97 percent of the cases.
- Bilberries are used to treat varicose veins due to the strengthening effects they have on the cell structure of veins.
- Bilberries are an excellent source of anti-oxidants, as they contain generous amounts of the anti-oxidant anthocyanocides and are therefore used for disease prevention and as an immune booster.
- Bilberry leaf tea is high in chromium, which is said to reduce blood sugar levels, and has therefore been suggested as a treatment for high blood sugar in diabetes.
- The leaves are also used for the treatment of poor circulation, arthritis, gout and digestive problems.
- The fruit can be used with success to treat diarrhea, especially diarrhea in children.
- External use
- Bilberry is used medicinally as an astringent in eye care products and is used externally to treat wounds, sores, and ulcers.
- Bilberry is used as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory, and is particularly effective to treat inflammation of the mucus membranes of the mouth and throat.
- The leaves are used for piles, dermatitis and other skin complaints.
- The anthocyans have a demonstrated anti-elastase action and work very powerfully against free radicals.
- They therefore protect and reinforce the walls of the blood vessels.
- Their cosmetic application is focused on reaffirming products and products which stimulate blood circulation.
- Aromatherapy and essential oil use
None noted.
To promote the interest and use of herbs and natural complementary health alternatives, we have included information on the following herbs.
Please note - although we discuss a wide variety of herbs, not all of them are used or sold by us.
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