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Herbal Antioxidant Overview
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), a European relative of the American blueberry, is an herb that is a strong antioxidant that keeps capillary walls strong and flexible. It also helps to maintain the flexibility of the walls of red blood cells and allows them to pass through the capillaries better. Bilberry contains anthocyanidins, phytochemicals that help to lower blood pressure, inhibit clot formation, and enhance blood supply to the nervous system. Studies indicate that anthocyanidins can provide up to 50 times the antioxidant protection of vitamin E and 10 times the protection of vitamin C. In addition, this herb supports and strengthens collagen structures, inhibits the growth of bacteria, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and has anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic affects.
Description
Bilberry is a perennial, ornamental shrub that is commonly found in various climates in damp woodlands and moorlands. In the United States they are known as huckleberries, and there are over 100 species with similar names and fruit throughout the Europe, Asia and North America. The English call them whortleberries. The Scots know them as blaeberries. Bilberry has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century.
Bilberry is also used in connection with vascular and blood disorders and shows positive effects when treating varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina. Bilberry's fruit contains flavonoids and anthocyanin, which serve to prevent capillary fragility, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Bilberry also contains glucoquinine that has the ability to lower blood sugar.
The herb contains Vitamins A and C, providing antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels. Anthocyanosides support and protect collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.
Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people, and can help those with eye diseases such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots ate Bilberry preserves before night missions as an aid to night vision. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight.
Dried Bilberry fruit and Bilberry tea has been used as a treatment for diarrhea and as a relief for nausea and indigestion. Bilberry is also used as a treatment for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
Bilberry has been used to reduce painful uterine cramps known as dysmenorrhea. This may be helpful during menstruation and menopause.
Cautions
There are no reports of toxic effects.
Part Used:
Berries, leaves.
Common Use:
Bilberry contains nutrients needed to protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. Bilberry tea is administered to treat stomach problems and soothe the digestive tract. The leaves and berries are used in the homeopathic treatment of diabetes. Bilberries are used in making jams, preserves, liqueurs, and wines.
Plant Care:
Prefers filtered shade and moist, fertile soil that is acidic and non calcareous.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Herbs Index
BILBERRY PRODUCTS
Bilberry Extract, Standardized, nature's Way, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Bilberry Extract is high in the bioflavonoid complex anthocyanosides. Bilberry Extract supports healthy vision.
Bilberry Leaf (Vaccinium myrtillus) Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Bilberry Leaf is used in connection with vascular and blood disorders and shows positive effects when treating varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina.
Bilberry Extract, Standardized, Nature's Way, 80 mg, 90 Caps
Nature's Way Bilberry Extract is high in the bioflavonoid complex anthocyanosides.
Bilberry Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Bilberry is useful for maintaining a healthy digestive system, is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.
Bilberry Extract Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Helpful with many different vascular retinal disturbances, cataracts, diabetic-induced glaucoma, myopia, and all forms of eye strain.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral with Iron Added, Nature's Way, 90 Vcaps
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Alive multi-vitamin. It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer, Multi-Vitamin & Multi-Mineral, W/Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Vcaps
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than ALIVE multi vitamin. Alive multi-vitamin is better absorbed into your blood stream because its vegetable capsules dissolve up to 5X faster than other leading brands.
Bilberry Natural Enhancement For Visual & Cardiovascular Health by Rita Elkins, M.H.
"Woodland Health Series" Elkins examines how bilberry, long used in folk medicine, is viewed by modern medicine as capable of successfully treating visual and cardiovascular disorders.
Burt's Bees Honey and Bilberry, Thoroughly Therapeutic Foot Creme, 4 oz.
Burt's Bees Foot Creme exfoliates and deeply moisturizes for soft, smooth, healthy feet.
Damage Control Master Formula, High Potency Multivitamin, 60 Packets (30 Day Supply)
The Damage Control Master Formula - Pure and simply the world's most comprehensive and complete balanced high potency multi-vitamin, mineral, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-stress, anti-fatigue, immune-supporting, performance-enhancing product.
Diabetes Extract Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Truman's Diabetes Tea is targeted to enable the pancreas to produce its own insulin and to bring blood sugar levels to a safe range of somewhere between 110-140 without additional medication.
Eye Support formula W/ Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Dr. Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.
Sure Sight Liquid Formula, Eye Supplement, Dairy Free & Kosher, Dynamic Health, 8 fl. oz.
This Sure Sight Liquid Eye Supplement helps maintain vision and eye health.
VisiClear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.
Vision Formula W/ Lutein & Bilberry, 60 Caps
Vision formula supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, which protects the retina, Vitamin E, one of the best antioxidants for delaying the aging process in cells, Tru-OPC's, to maintain a healthy circulation for proper eye function, and Bilberry, traditionally used for supporting normal eyesight.
Vitaberry Plus+, Vegetarian, 2500 ORAC, NOW Foods, 90 Vcaps
Just 2 Vcaps of NOW Vita Berry Plus+ fruit antioxidant supplies 2,500 ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Units, making it an easy complement to a healthy diet.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
HerbalRemedies: Bilberry Information
HerbalRemedies: Bilberry Supplements & Products
Helpful Links
Botanical.com: Bilberry
HealthNEnergy.com: Bilberry Extract & Macular Degeneration
Description of Bilberry
Winemaking: Bilberry Wine Recipes
Herb.com: Bilberry, Huckleberry, Whortleberry, etc.
Amazon.com Books: Bilberry & Lutein: The Vision Enhancers! Protect Against Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinopathy & Other Health Problems
-- by Beth M. Ley
Amazon.com Books: A New Generation of Phytomedicines (High Quality Standardized Galenical Preparations Ginkgo, Bilberry, Ginseng, Garlic & Their Extraordinary Therapy)
-- by Auguste Mockle
Amazon.com Books: Bilberry Natural Enhancement for Visual & Cardiovascular Health
-- by Rita Elkins
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
This is only a small sample of educational materials and products available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
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