Bilberry Benefits

As a certified herbalist I am discovering some great and natural ways to stay healthy. On this earth, God has created beautiful things that can be used to feed us, make us healthy and happier. In my research I came across the Bilberry, also known as the Blueberry or the Huckleberry. This berry is used as a Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Nutritive. You can used the leaves and the berries.

Bilberry was discovered in northern Europe and Asia. The great thing is that you can eat of the berries, make them in to a jellies or jams and add honey. It was said by historians that during World War II the British pilots would eat Bilberry jam and bread which made it seem they were more successful at hitting targets. After this observation, they began to research and found that it helped eye disorders, it helped against fatigue, reduce eye irritation, nearsightedness, and night blindness, it extends the range and the sharpness of your vision, helps you to adjust to darkness by accelerating the regeneration of the retina. Bilberry is a great fruit! A super food! For preventative purposes, Bilberry can help to restrain the development of glaucoma cataracts.

The berries contain contain anthocyanins associated with P-vitamin (bioflavonoid) functions. There are large amounts of Anthocyanin in the plants and the P-vitamin is noted to be even stronger in Bilberry than any other combination, particularly citrus fruit. This works well in the strengthening of the capillaries in the peripheral circulation, decreasing the permeability of the capillary membranes. 

Eat Bilberry dried are used for their astringent qualities in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. It also improves blood circulation by increasing the ability of fluids and nourishment to pass through veins and to capillaries. As an astringent, this herb can be great for pregnancy. It's strong but gentle properties will strengthen vein and capillary support, aids in kidney function, is a mild diuretic for bloating.

Below is a list of ailments Bilberry has been known to aid in:

Bladder stones, Infections, Blood thinner, kidney problems, blood vessels, light sensitivity, cold hands and feet, diabetes, diarrhea (infant), Dropsy, Dysentery, Eye problems, Hemorrhoids, Immune system, night blindness, Raynaud's disease, Scurvy, skin (ulcerative), Typhoid epidemics, Urinary problems, varicose veins, and water retention.
For those that are desiring to add more fruit to your diet this is a great one to add.