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Bilberry A close
relative of American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern
Europe, Canada, and the United States. The ripe berries are
used. The leaves may also contain beneficial compounds. The
dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended
for a wide variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary
tract infections, and kidney stones. Perhaps the most sound
historical application is the use of the dried berries to
treat diarrhea. Modern research of bilberry was partly based
on its use by British World War II pilots, who noticed that
their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior
to night bombing raids.
Source: RxList Inc.
Bilberry berries are used primarily for acute non-specific diarrhea
and inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. There are also reports of
their usage in the treatment of eyestrain and night vision however
this is as yet clinically unproven. It is thought that Bilberry
berries may be helpful in the treatment cataracts and glaucoma due
to its rich bioflavonoid content. Externally, the berries can be
used for mild inflammation, varicose veins, and dermatitis.
Bilberry
leaves have been used primarily for complaints of the
gastrointestinal tract, kidney and urinary tract, arthritis, gout,
and dermatitis. It has been considered helpful as a supplement in
the prevention and treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It is sometimes
used as an astringent in rinses and lavages. Traditionally, the
leaves have also been used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, p.o.
circulation, functional heart problems, and metabolic stimulation
and blood purification.
Both
the leaves and the berries can be taken as a capsule, pill, tea,
tincture, decoction or the berries chewed, stewed, or even made into
a jam or pie.
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