|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
During World War I, British fliers sharpened their vision with Bilberry. Modern scientific research shows that it contains compounds known as anthocyanosides (potent antioxidants), which do indeed contribute to visual acuity. It has been recommended for almost every eye ailment (both as a preventive and as a treatment) for cataracts, glaucoma, night vision and macular degeneration. It strengthens the capillaries of the retina. Bilberry helps retard the breakdown of Vitamin C, thus helping it do its job of protecting your eyes. In one study, a daily treatment of 400mg Bilberry and 20mg
Beta-Carotene resulted in improved night vision and enlarged
visual fields for many of the participants. According to The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine and Herbal Tonic Therapies, by herbal pharmacologist Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., a tea made with Bilberry, Butcher's Broom, Centella and Ginger is suggested for the prevention and treatment for several eye ailments. Steep in boiling water for 15 minutes and drink four times daily. Italian researchers showed that anthocyanosides mixed with Vitamin E, halted the progression of lens clouding in 97 percent of the people with early-stage cataracts. Naturopaths recommend 80-160mg Bilberry extract three times daily. European studies show that anthocyanidins help prevent blood clots and also break down plaque deposits lining the arteries. Some evidence also suggests that Bilberry help maintain capillaries. For these reasons, it may help prevent ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. In studies with experimental animals, the anthocyanosides has been shown to offer significant protection against ulcers. It helps stimulate the mucus that protects the stomach from digestive acids. The anthocyanins have a cholesterol-lowering effect; acts as a vasodilator that opens blood vessels and lowers blood pressure; helping prevent formation of the blood clots that trigger a heart attack. May be used to treat angina (heart disease that causes chest pain). Bilberry increases circulation by stimulating new capillary formation, strengthening capillary walls and increasing the overall health of the circulatory system, particularly helping to treat varicose veins. For menstrual cramps, herbalists recommend 20-40mg Bilberry extract three times daily. The anthocyanidins have muscle-relaxant properties and it also contains oligomeric procyanidin, or OPC (Pycnogenol). Being rich in both tannins and pectin, the herb helps treat diarrhea. The leaves are sometimes used for coughs, stomach and skin problems.
To use the herb as a tea (cut & sifted) use 1 cup boiling water per 1 tsp of herb. Cover and steep for 3-5 minutes.
Bilberry; Natural Enhancement for Visual & Cardiovascular Health, by Rita Elkins. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, by Michael Moore; further specific information on the use of Bilberry for diabetics. A New Generation of Phytomedicines (High Quality Standardized Galenical Preparations Ginkgo, Bilberry, Ginseng, Garlic and Their Extrordinary Therapy, by Auguste Mockle, J. August Mockle. More than you ever wanted to know about Bilberry!! Check out Bilberry Hill. Some articles: Bilberry as Medicine; Varieties; Historical; Hunting For; Recipes.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
