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Bilberry extract comes from the European Blueberry. The plant is also found in Western Asia and the Rocky Mountain in the United States. Related to the cranberry, blueberry and huckleberry family, the plant produces an edible berry that provides a tasty filling for pies and cobblers and jams. The Latin name of this plant is Vaccinium myrtillus: Myrtilli fructus. The leaves and dried berries of bilberry have been used throughout history as a tea for treating varied medical problems. The plant earned modern medical recognition when pilots in the Royal Air Force reported increased night vision after consuming bilberry jam during World War II.
In the past bilberry extract was used as a treatment for diarrhea, however in recent years bilberry extract has been promoted for supporting eye health, due to the tannic and cinnamic acids contained within the plant. In particular, the plant is known to be beneficial in treating macular degeneration, cataracts and poor night vision. The plant also contains flavonoids, known to be useful antioxidants and may be beneficial in preventing cancer by rooting out free radicals contained within the body. As a diuretic, the plant has also been used in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Boiled as a tea, the herb has been used to treat sore throats. Individuals who suffer from eye problems due to the effects of diabetes may also find the herb beneficial. Pain due to circulatory problems, hemorrhoids and varicose veins may also be relieved by use of bilberry. The extract contains properties that have been linked with possibly reducing the risk of blood clots and could be useful in preventing heart attacks and heart disease.
There are no known adverse side effects due to use of bilberry. There are also no known drug interactions with bilberry based on personal research.
Billberry extract is available in capsule form, as a tea and liquid. Products should contain at least 23% bilberry extract in order to be effective. While the tea may be made from fresh or dried berries as well as the leaves of the bilberry plant, the most beneficial form of bilberry is the direct extract.
In the past bilberry extract was used as a treatment for diarrhea, however in recent years bilberry extract has been promoted for supporting eye health, due to the tannic and cinnamic acids contained within the plant. In particular, the plant is known to be beneficial in treating macular degeneration, cataracts and poor night vision. The plant also contains flavonoids, known to be useful antioxidants and may be beneficial in preventing cancer by rooting out free radicals contained within the body. As a diuretic, the plant has also been used in the treatment of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Boiled as a tea, the herb has been used to treat sore throats. Individuals who suffer from eye problems due to the effects of diabetes may also find the herb beneficial. Pain due to circulatory problems, hemorrhoids and varicose veins may also be relieved by use of bilberry. The extract contains properties that have been linked with possibly reducing the risk of blood clots and could be useful in preventing heart attacks and heart disease.
There are no known adverse side effects due to use of bilberry. There are also no known drug interactions with bilberry based on personal research.
Billberry extract is available in capsule form, as a tea and liquid. Products should contain at least 23% bilberry extract in order to be effective. While the tea may be made from fresh or dried berries as well as the leaves of the bilberry plant, the most beneficial form of bilberry is the direct extract.
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