Bilberry

In Elizabethan times, English herbalists referred to bilberries as "wortleberries" and used them to treat diarrhea and stomach complaints. American herbalists later combined them with gin to make a diuretic!

This herb is available in tablets made from the extract and as a dried herb bagged for tea. Sometimes it is combined with leutin to maintain eye health. Standardized extracts can be taken 240-600mg per day. Studies from the '50's and '60's noted that the effects were greater when combined with beta-carotene which is found in green, yellow and orange vegetables.

Benefits Of Bilberry

• High blood pressure. Lowers triglycerides thereby preventing plaque formation. Strengthens collegen in lining of arteries keeping them flexible.
• Diabetes. Reduces blood sugar. Weaker than insulin but less side effects.
• Eye disorders. Stimulates cappilary repair, maintains retinal health. Also regenerates rhodopsin used for night vision.
• Gout, RA. Collagen stabilizing effects help prevent joint damage.
• Prostatitis. Contains complex carbs that prevents E.coli from adhering to lining of bladder and urethra.

Cautions In Use

Do not take this herb during pregnancy, or if you are taking anti-coagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), or if you have a bleeding disorder. Monitor your blood sugar closely to avoid hypoglycemia if you are diabetic and using bilberry with your diabetic medications.