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BILBERRY (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Common names
Black whortleberry blueberry, burren myrtle,
dyeberry, huckleberry, whortleberry, wineberry
Medicinal parts
Leaves, berries
Description
A shrubby perennial, bilberry grows in
the sandy areas of the northern United States and in the woods and meadows of Europe.
Although often called huckleberry, bilberry is more closely related to the cranberry.
Bilberry is an amazing dual-purpose herb that has been a well-known folk
remedy for ages but has only recently again come to the attention of herbalists
and those interested in alternative medicine.
Its common use is for night blindness and to help preserve healthy eyesight,
and it has been found to be beneficial in preventing the development of cataracts
and to protect eyesight against damage caused by diabetes.
Bilberry's second use is for circulatory improvement.
The herb helps to supply oxygen to the blood, thus feeding the capillaries and
improving circulation by allowing more fluid and nutriments to pass through them.
Dosage
Capsules: Take 1 or 2 capsules twice daily,
or follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage.
Do not exceed the recommended amount, as the leaves can be poisonous
if consumed over a long period of time. As with all herbs, they should be
used only until the condition for which they are being taken has improved.
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