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Bilberry; for reference
Topic Started: Sep 16 2014, 12:32 AM (362 Views)
yass
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Bilberry is a plant. The dried, ripe fruit and leaves are used to make medicine.

Bilberry is used for improving eyesight, including night vision. In fact, during World War II, British pilots in the Royal Air Force ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision, but later research showed it probably didn’t help. Bilberry is also used for treating eye conditions such as cataracts and disorders of the retina. There is some evidence that bilberry may help retinal disorders.

Some people use bilberry for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), varicose veins, decreased blood flow in the veins, and chest pain.

Bilberry is also used for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hemorrhoids, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, skin infections, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

How does it work?

Bilberry contains chemicals called tannins that can help improve diarrhea, as well as mouth and throat irritation, by reducing swelling (inflammation). There is some evidence that the chemicals found in bilberry leaves can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some researchers think that chemicals called flavonoids in bilberry leaf might also improve circulation in people with diabetes. Circulation problems can harm the retina of the eye.


http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-202-bilberry.aspx?activeingredientid=202&activeingredientname=bilberry
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Excerpt:

With their potent antioxidant activity anthocyanins protect body tissues, particularly blood vessels, from oxidizing agents circulating in the blood. In fact, bilberries contain the highest antioxidant level, bite for bite, of any berry! In the same way that pipes rust as a result of an attack by chemicals, various chemicals in our environment -- pollutants, smoke, and chemicals in food -- can bind to and oxidize blood vessels. Two common complications of diabetes, diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) and kidney disease (nephropathy), often begin when the tiny capillaries of these organs are injured by the presence of excessive sugar. Antioxidants allow these harmful oxidizing agents to bind to them instead of to body cells, preventing the agents from causing permanent damage to the lining of blood vessels.

Bilberry extracts also may reduce the tingling sensations in the extremities associated with diabetes. Several studies have shown that bilberry extracts stimulate blood vessels to release a substance that helps dilate (expand) veins and arteries. Bilberries help keep platelets from clumping together, which, in turn, thins the blood, prevents clotting, and improves circulation.

Bilberry preparations seem particularly useful in treating eye conditions, so in addition to diabetic retinopathy, they also are used to treat cataracts, night blindness, and degeneration of the macula, the spot in the back of the eye that enables sharp focusing.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/bilberry-herbal-remedies.htm
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Excerpt:

Bilberry has a long medicinal history in Europe. It has been used to treat anything from kidney stones to Typhoid fever. During World War 2 British pilots noted that Bilberry jam before a flight dramatically improved night vision. Modern research now supports these claims.

Bilberry contains anthocyanosides which are potent antioxidants which strengthen blood vessels and capillary walls, improve red blood cells, stabalize collagen tissues such as tendons, ligaments and cartilage and has cholesterol lowering effects. They also increase retinal pigments that allow the eye to tolerate light. In addition, it helps to maintain the flexibility of red blood cells, allowing them to pass through the capillaries and supply oxygen. The herb has been shown to be a vasodialator that opens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Since the eyes have a high concentration of capillaries, bilberry may be particularly helpful in improving eyesight. The herb has been shown to improve night vision, slow macular degeneration, prevent cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. Scientific studies have shown improvement in the eyesight, circulation, angina, stroke and atherosclerosis. It is also used to improve varicose veins and has anti-aging effects on collagen structures.

Individuals with hardening of the arteries, diabetes, high blood pressure or other conditions that increase the likelihood of damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes are more likely to have serious vision problems as a result of blood vessel damage. Note that bilberry is taken by mouth to treat eye problems. It is not used as an eye drop.
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Blood may collect in the veins of the legs and lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. More serious results can include blood clots in the legs. Because bilberry may strengthen the walls of all blood vessels in the body. It may also relieve hemorrhoids.
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In a laboratory study, bilberry stopped the growth of both leukemia and colon cancer cells. While preliminary results suggest that anthocyanosides obtained from bilberries may also block the effects of an enzyme and other chemicals that promote tumor growth, much more study is needed. To date, no human clinical studies have confirmed any of these results from bilberry.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-bilberry.html

Common Names

Airelle, Dyeberry, European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Whortleberry, Wineberry
Suggested Properties

Antioxidant. Supports normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve capillary and venous blood flow. Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, Antihistamine.
Uses

Kills or inhibits the growth of funguses, yeasts, and bacteria. It also kills protozoans such as Trichomonas vaginalis. Prevents capillary fragility and Improves vision.

Atherosclerosis, Bruising, Cataracts, Circulation, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Macular degeneration, Night blindness, Retinopathy, Varicose veins.
Indicated for

Has the potential for the prevention of thrombosis and may reverse attacks of angina from results of animal studies. Was found to prevent atherosclerosis in cholesterol loaded animals. Pigmentary retinitis. Hemorrhoids.
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Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

Bilberry leaves might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking bilberry leaves along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Talk with your health provider.

There is some concern that bilberry might slow blood clotting. Taking bilberry along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. However, there is not enough information to know if this is a serious concern.

Dosing considerations for Bilberry.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • The typical dose of the dried, ripe berries: 20-60 grams daily. People also drink a type of tea made from 5-10 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of the mashed berries.
  • A dose of 160 mg of bilberry extract taken twice daily has been used in people with diseased retinas.
  • Bilberry leaf is commonly used as a tea. The tea is prepared by steeping 1 gram, 1-2 teaspoons, finely chopped dried leaf in 150 mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes, and then straining. Don't use bilberry leaf long-term.


http://www.rxlist.com/bilberry-page3/supplements.htm
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The fruit is globular, with a flat top, about the size of a black currant. When eaten raw, they have a slightly acid flavour. When cooked, however, with sugar, they make an excellent preserve. Gerard tells us that 'the people of Cheshire do eate the black whortles in creame and milke as in these southern parts we eate strawberries.' On the Continent, they are often employed for colouring wine.

Stewed with a little sugar and lemon peel in an open tart, Bilberries make a very enjoyable dish. Before the War, immense quantities of them were imported annually from Holland, Germany and Scandinavia. They were used mainly by pastrycooks and restaurant-keepers.

Owing to its rich juice, the Bilberry can be used with the least quantity of sugar in making jam: half a pound of sugar to the pound of berries is sufficient if the preserve is to be eaten soon. The minuteness of the seeds makes them more suitable for jam than currants.
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---Medicinal Action and Uses---
The leaves can be used in the same way as those of UvaUrsi. The fruits are astringent, and are especially valuable in diarrhoea and dysentery, in the form of syrup. The ancients used them largely, and Dioscorides spoke highly of them. They are also used for discharges, and as antigalactagogues. A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root may be used as a local application to ulcers, and in ulceration of the mouth and throat.

The fruit is helpful in scurvy and urinary complaints, and when bruised with the roots and steeped in gin has diuretic properties valuable in dropsy and gravel. A tea made of the leaves is also a remedy for diabetes if taken for a prolonged period.

---Dosages---Of powder of the berries, 4 grammes. Of syrup, 60 grammes to a litre of water. Of fluid extract, 1/2 to 2 drachms.

https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bilber37.html
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Also known as “Black Hearts” according to Thomas Hardy in his 1878 novel The Return of the Native, the European bilberry bush is a close relative of American blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries. It flourishes in damp acidic soil throughout temperate and sub artic regions of the world. The bilberry has a long history of medicinal use. The English used it as a dye for wool due to its wonderful dark blue/purple coloring.

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/bilberry-extract/profile
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If Your Care About Your Eye Health, Include Bilberries In Your Diet | Amoils.com

People often confuse the bilberry with the blueberry and of course both these delicious fruits have wonderful health benefits, especially their strong antioxident properties. Although bilberries and blueberries are similar in appearance and closely related, the bilberry is proven to have special benefits for eye health. And these eye health benefits are not something recent as – for example – British World War 2 pilots reported improved night vision when flying after eating bilberry jam!

Why are bilberries so healthy?

Bilberries possess a high content of anthocyanins, which provide potent antioxidant activity. In addition to antioxidants, bilberries support healthy eye function through their anti-inflammatory, collagen stabilising, vasoprotective, and rhodopsin regenerating properties. So without a doubt, the main benefit of including bilberries in your diet is for your eye health.

Dr. Marc Grossman who is both an optometrist and licensed acupuncturist confirms the health benefits to the eyes: “Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision”. He then goes on to say that it is a myth that nothing can be done to improve your eyesight, but rather through proper diet, lifestyle and supplements you can have a positive impact on your vision.
The long and impressive list of benefits for your eye health

Bilberries have a very high anthrocyanin content because the pigment is found in both the skin and the flesh while in the North American blueberry, the pigment is only found in the skin. This anthrocyanin antioxidant is known to benefit the eyes and the circulatory system.
Anthocyanin fortifies blood-vessel walls, improves blood flow and increases oxygen to the tiny blood vessels that keep eyes healthy as well as maintaining good circulation.
Bilberries protects eyes from eye strain and fatigue.
Bilberries contain vitamin A which helps to promote sharper vision.
Bilberries also contain vitamin C, helping to build collagen. This is needed for regeneration of tissue cells and healthy blood vessels.
Both vitamins A and C help prevent free radical damage to the eyes especially when ageing, pollution and toxins are factors.
Bilberry is known to improve the micro circulation and regeneration of the retinal pupil.
The flavonoid complex in bilberries, help hasten regeneration of rhodopsin which is a purple pigment used by the eyes for the purpose of night vision. While it has not been proven that bilberry does help people with night blindness, anthocyanosides, which is also a pigment, helps to regenerate a pigment in the retina which is essential for the eye to adapt to light.
Bilberries may also help to prevent cataracts while treating macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
Bilberry can also assist in preventing the onset of eye diseases like glaucoma, myopia, retinitis and pigmentosa.

https://www.amoils.com/health-blog/if-you-care-about-your-eye-health-include-bilberries-in-your-diet/
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