Can Bilberry sharpen vision, relieve diarrahea, and sooth a sore throat?
Bilberry, Vaccinium Myrtillus The herb has been valued since 16th century Europeans used it as a remedy for respiratory problems. It has many names such as European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Whortleberry, and Hurtleberry. This plant is native to Europe, North America and Asia. Children above 2 years of age have been taking Bilberry tea as a treatment for diarrhea since the Middle Ages. Bilberries gained the height of its popularity for its potency during World War II. The leaves were made into an infusion and drank by fighter pilots to give them better vision. The herb has been shown to prevent macular degeneration, an eye disease that can lead to blindness. Description A perennial herb, the Vaccinium Myrtillus shrub grows to only a height of 1 ½ feet. It thrives in fertile and moist soil conditions in filtered shade. It is ideally placed in soil that has a high acid pH. It has small pink or red flowers. The berries grow singly or in pairs and have 5 seeds. When the fruit is ripe, it is dark purple in color. Butterfly larvae feast on fruits because of it nectar like sweetness. The flowers bloom in springtime and the fruits are harvested in autumn when they are ripe. The harvest time for the leaves is before the fruit ripens. This is when the essential oil is at its peak. The fruits and leaves can be used fresh or dried. Medical Applications Aside from being used to enhance vision and cure diarrhea, the Vaccinium Myrtillus herb has other healing properties. The dried fruit are soaked in water and the liquid is gargled to relieve sore throat. With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, it is also use as a cure for varicose veins and hardened heart arteries. Blood circulation is greatly improved by the prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol by the free radicals present in Another useful way that this herb can be used is to control blood sugar level. Blood sugar level fluctuations make diabetics suffer and may lead to comatose. One of the main problems of diabetics is that their wounds take longer than normal to heal. The astringency of this herb aids in hastening tissue repair. Bilberry products should not be taken for a long period of time as it can be counter effective. |
