1. Maintain your Vision
Bilberry, also called huckleberry and a close relative of the blueberry, has a long history in herbal and folk remedies. One of the most widely reported uses for bilberry is maintaining and improving vision. Bilberry is full of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. These vitamins prevent free radicals from the sun and toxins in the environment from damaging eyes. The berries strengthen arteries and veins so that proper oxygen and nutrients can reach the eyes. Take bilberry to avoid cataracts, sharpen vision and prevent night blindness.
2. Support Your Vascular System
Bilberry treats a number of problems related to the vascular system. Anthocyanosides, found in bilberry, help with varicose veins, thrombosis and angina by opening veins and arteries, lowering blood pressure and reducing clotting. Bilberry prevents clotting by keeping platelets in the blood from sticking together.
3. Treating Diabetes
The leaves of the bilberry plant have long been used as an herbal diabetes treatment. Bilberry leaves lower blood sugar, according to evidence from animal studies in Europe. In addition, bilberry helps prevent damage to the kidneys and eyes from diabetes by strengthening blood vessels and counteracting oxidization in these organs. Excess sugar in the blood damages the small capillaries, preventing necessary oxygen and nutrients from reaching tissues in the kidneys and eyes. If you have high blood sugar, you can treat your diabetes with bilberry for short periods of time. However, be careful of the blood sugar-lowering effects of bilberry if you tend to have low blood sugar.
4. Curb Your Diarrhea
In some cases, swelling in the intestines causes diarrhea. You can drink bilberry tea or eat the dried fruit to soothe your inflamed intestines. Tannins found in the fruit have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that constrict and tighten the lining of the intestines. Anthocyanosides, also found in bilberry, may help diarrhea by increasing circulation, which can also reduce swelling in the intestines. Along with the bilberry, make sure to drink plenty of water to replace water lost in the diarrhea.
5. Taking Bilberry
Both the leaves and the berry of the bilberry plant are used in herbal remedies. You should be able to find dried bilberry in pill form at most natural food stores. In late summer, the fresh, ripe berries can sometimes be found at markets. Adults can eat 4 to 8 grams of dried fruit with water twice a day. If you are taking fresh berries, eat between 55 and 115 grams three times per day. Fresh berries should be avoided if you have diarrhea since they may make diarrhea worse. Recommended doses are believed to be safe in adults for short periods of time. Safe dosing information is not known for children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking bilberry without first talking to a physician.
Member Comments