BILBERRY LEAF
VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (Ericaceae)
Parts Used: leaves and fruit
Energy and Flavor: astringent, bitter, cool; berries are sour and sweet.
Organ Systems Affected: kidneys, bladder, stomach, liver, spleen
Biochemical Constituents: glucoquinine, which lowers blood sugar.
Properties: leaves are astringent, anti-diabetic, and diuretic.
History and Use:
The bilberry plant is also known as "Huckleberry" and "Whortleberry". It is a shrubby plant that grows mostly in moderate climates of the world. The bilberry is part of a species of 200 berry-producing plants that produce edible fruits. The plant is mostly native to the forests of Europe, but also grows well in certain parts of the United States. The bitter energy of this herb is responsible for its healing and medicinal properties.
Herbalists around the world continue to report effective results of this herb. It is popularly used as an anti-aging herb, and is widely taken as an over-the-counter drug in Europe. The bitter compounds are know to inhibit collagen destruction, scavenger free radicals, reduce capillary expansion, increase blood circulation to peripheral blood vessels and the brain, reduce inflammation and pain and relieve muscle spasms. The fruit is so effective that a single dose is said to improve one's night vision within hours.
Medicinal Properties: Bilberry fruit and leaf has traditionally been used by herbalists to treat bruising, varicose veins, poor night vision, cataract, poor circulation, Raynaud's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and periodontal disease, and circulation complications due to diabetes.
For those who use medical marijuana for the pain associated with glaucoma will find bilberry useful, since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage and pain. Indeed most of my patients have found the fruit to improve visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day without the side-effects of the THC high contained in marijuana.
Even more important is its herbal use to regulate high blood sugar associated with adult onset diabetes. The leaves are usually made into a tea, or liquid extract and taken three times a day. The control of diabetes in the short term is one's blood sugar is lowered and long term, one's circulatory system is preserved. Connective tissue is not destroyed and capillaries function more normally. This is important because of the complications of blindness (diabetic retinopathy), and peripheral nerve damage associated with diabetes.
In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum according to "The Journal of the Certified Natural Health Professional".
I believe that this herb is an important supplement to one's daily diet, especially people of African descent with a high risk of diabetes and blood disease.
Traditional Formulas:
Bilberry and Ginkgo biloba
Bilberry and Uva Ursi
Standard Daily Dosage:
Infusion: 2 to 3 tsp. of the leaves with 1 cup of water. Take 1/3 cup three times a day.
Tincture: 15 to 40 drops in water, three or more times a day.
Please consider all information in this review to be in the context of giving general information about a condition, substance or remedy.
Master Herbalist Tariq Sawandi is pleased to receive health questions from our subscribers and will respond accordingly. Please write to: Dr. Tariq Sawandi (aka D. Williams), Bldg. 3B04-210, (D47495), P.O. Box 3466, Corcoran, CA 93212.
