Bilberry Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Bilberry Leaves  100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:

Bilberry is said to possess antioxidant and antiseptic properties. It has several pharmacological actions, such as wound healing, anti-ulcer, anti-artery clogging, and vasoprotective (keeps blood flowing). Bilberry extract strengthens capillaries, which not only protects the eye from the hemorrhaging associated with diabetic retinopathy, but also aids in treating other vascular disorders, such as varicose veins. Extracts of the leaves in animals have been shown to kill Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is approved by the German Commission E for treatment of diarrhea (taken internally) and inflammation of the mouth and pharynx (used topically).

Cataracts. In one study, bilberry prevented the development of further lens opacity in the eyes of 97 percent of the patients with mild senile cortical cataracts. A bilberry extract of 180 milligrams and 100 milligrams of vitamin E was given twice a day for eight months. After four months, improvements were observed in the treatment group but not the placebo group.

Diabetes. Bilberry’s component (anthocyanosides) may help patients with diabetic retinopathy. This is a progressive worsening of vision caused by elevated blood glucose levels. In one study, using 160 milligrams of bilberry anthocyanosides extract (Myrtocyan) twice a day for one month improved the eyes in 77 to 90 percent of the participants. Using a different preparation of the bilberry (Tegens) at the same concentration and dose for one year, improvements were seen in 50 percent of the patients compared to 20 percent in the placebo group. Patients with diabetic retinopathy have an increase in polymeric collagen synthesis in the eye, which leads to eye damage. Using 600 milligrams of bilberry anthocyanosides per day for two months decreased the synthesis of this collagen. Several human studies have shown that bilberry extracts have improved symptoms in patients with retinopathy related to diabetes. Patients experienced changes in their eye tests that revealed the retinas were becoming normal. Retinal hemorrhage decreased or disappeared, less collagen was made, which is seen in retinopathy, and the retinas looked healthier when the doctor used an ophthalmoscope. Patients took an extract of about 160 milligrams of bilberry anthocyanosides twice a day in most studies.

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Bilberry may help women with painful periods. In one study, taking anthocyanins from bilberry (320 milligrams per day) resulted in fewer women with a history of chronic primary dysmenorrhea having nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness.

Heart disease. Bilberry extracts serve as antioxidants to reduce the oxidation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease. It also increases cAMP, which in turn reduces thromboxane A2 in the platelets, which clot the blood. These actions improve blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In one study, using 480 milligrams of bilberry anthocyanin along with vitamin C (3 grams daily) resulted in decreased platelet aggregation (stickiness) after thirty to sixty days.

Night vision problems. In addition to stimulating circulation in the eye, bilberry stimulates the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment that is used by the rods in the eye for night vision. This effect has been confirmed in some but not all clinical observations and controlled tests. The use of 240 milligrams of bilberry anthocyanoside

improved night vision the best, two hours after ingestion. The response of the pupil to light was demonstrated by greater contraction, faster movement, and greater acceleration in less time. Improvement to macular recovery as well as night vision was found in subjects after using 60 milligrams of anthocyanosides for one week. Use of bilberry extracts seemed to improve retinal sensitivity even in daylight so that objects were less fuzzy and clearer, and twilight vision also was improved. The participants took 150 milligrams a day of dry hypo alcohol bilberry extract.

Peptic ulcer. In animal studies, cyanidins from bilberry counteract the formation of peptic ulcers caused by alcohol, allergy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and stress. The bilberry is able to reduce prostaglandin E2 without affecting stomach acid. This was accomplished by taking 600 milligrams of anthocyanin pigment from bilberry, twice daily for ten days. These changes are important to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and still allow food to be digested.

Venous insufficiency. In one study, both pregnant women and patients with varicose veins experienced improved blood flow, reduced bruising, less leg swelling and pain, and less of a heavy feeling in their legs. Participants in the study used 240 to 320 milligrams a day of bilberry anthocyanosides.

 

Recommended Uses

Bilberry is available in tablets and capsules made from bilberry extract and as a dried herb bagged for making teas. Some products combine bilberry with lutein, another supplement useful in maintaining eye health. The active ingredients in bilberry extracts break down rapidly in the body. For this reason, frequent, small doses are preferable to larger, less frequent doses. Bilberry herbal extract in capsules or tablets standardized to provide 36 percent anthocyanosides can be taken in the amount of 60 to 160 milligrams three times per day.

Many of the earliest clinical studies of bilberry (conducted in the 1950s and 1960s) noted that its effects were greater when patients also took beta-carotene. For best results, you should eat dark-green, yellow, and orange vegetables daily while taking bilberry.

You should not use extremely high doses of bilberry teas or take teas of this herb for more than one month at a time. If blood appears in the urine, discontinue use.

Bilberry should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. If you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), or if you have bleeding disorders, check with your doctor before taking bilberry, as the anticoagulant.

 

Botanical Name: Vaccinium myrtillus

English: Blueberry

Also, known as: Bickbeere, Moll berry, Whortleberry Black Whortles. Whinberry. Trackleberry. Huckleberry, Hurtleberry, Adara, Airelle, Blue berry, Bog bilberry, Bickbeere, European blueberry, Blaubeere, Brimbelle Blaeberry, Blauessen,

Habitat: Europe & North America

Origin: Albania

Harvested: Wild

Part used: Leaves

 

General Information:

Bilberry is native to Europe including Britain and North America. The shrub grows to a height of around 2 meters, has green deciduous, alternate and 5-15 mm wide leaves with 4-5 lobe corolla pale pink or white flower, around 6 mm wide,5 mm long, in clusters followed by two or three round fruit known as Blueberries. They nourish best on acidic soil and high grounds. The shrub of Bilberry forms large colonies from creeping rhizomes. Leaves and fruit of this plant are used as an herb.

 

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

 

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice tray or pop molds.

 

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.