Bilberry Benefits Vision
Bilberry’ scientific name is Caccinium myrtillus. It is a heath plant, closely related to the blueberry. Bilberry plants grow along mountain ranges in the northern and southern hemispheres where the climate is cool and temperate. The small shrub bears white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers that hang beneath the new leaves and soon after, blue-black berries appear.
Bilberry leaf tea contains anthocyanins that are anti-aging substances, increasing circulation to blood vessels in the extremities including the brain. They also relieve muscle spasms and reduce inflammation and pain. Bilberry fruit contains tannins and may help with the treatment of sore throat, diarrhea, and mouth inflammations. It is very popular in Europe.
Extracts from the bulk herb Bilberry strengthen the capillaries and other small blood vessels. In fact, some people call bilberry the circulatory microplumber. Of course, this means it helps treat varicose veins in the legs. In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
Bilberry’s anthocyanins allow bilberry to possess anticancer qualities. Three mechanisms for bilberry’s anti-tumor activities include antioxidation, anticarcinogensis, and apoptosis induction of tumor cells. The bilberry also inhibits the growth of HL60 human leukemia cells.
This ability to increase circulation also affects vision, something especially helpful for the aging. This is one of bilberry’s most popular applications. Bilberry was first studied for its effects on poor night vision. A single dose can improve one’s night vision noticeably. Regular use of the fruit results in quicker adjustment to darkness and glare and improved visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day. Bilberry may be useful in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage.
Bilberry is also used in the treatment of diabetes on a short term basis. It seems to be able to lower blood sugar level. On a long term basis, the circulatory system is not affected in the process.
Bilberry herb is both a food and a medicine. Therefore, it can be added to other food to increase flavor. It is also used in jams, pies, cobblers, and cakes. It can be added to salads, meat dishes, soups, stews, and the like. Here is a recipe for bilberry jam: combine 3 lb. of bilberry fruit with 1.5 lb of sugar and 1 cup of water. Boil for 40 minutes. As a medicine, the dosage is usually from 160 to 320 mg of bilberry extract.
There are a few cautions. Bilberry can be overdosed; the side effects can be serious in some people. Because of bilberry’s anti-platelet activity, it may interact with NSAIDs, particularly aspirin. Some experience diarrhea after excessive amounts of bilberry juice but this is not common. Other side effects may include skin rashes, mild digestive distress, or drowsiness. High doses of bilberry leaf can be poisonous, so be careful to maintain the suggested dosage above. Also, be sure to store bilberry in a cool, dark place, and preferably refrigerate or freeze the leaves.
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