Bilberry

"For the blood and nervous system"

Bilberry is a wild shrub that grows in Europe, Asia and North America and has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century. Bilberry's healing effects probably stem from the flavonoids and anthocyanin which serve to prevent capillary fragility, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, an antioxidant, also helps lower blood pressure, reduces clotting and generally improves blood supply to the nervous system. In addition Bilberry also contains glucoquinine that lowers blood sugar levels.

Claims and Common Uses:

• Beneficial for poor vision and "night blindness" and can help those with eye diseases such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration
• Effective for treating varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina
• Acts as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic
• Believed to have anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties
• Used in the treatment of diabetes, where it helps to control insulin levels
• Dried bilberry fruit and bilberry tea have been used as a treatment for dysentery, stomach cramps, constipation, and as a relief for nausea, vomiting and indigestion
• Used as a treatment for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat