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Bilberry Herb -Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Scientific name: Vaccinium myrtillus

Actions: Antidiabetic effect, antidiarrheal, astringent, anti-inflammatory.

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Bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ) is a short, shrubby perennial plant that inhabits the woods and forest meadows of Europe, western Asia, and the Rocky Mountains of North America. As with many other plants that belong to the same plant family ( Vaccinium ), bilberry bears edible fruits similar to those found on the American blueberry bush. Cranberries and huckleberry belong to this plant family too.

Uses and benefits of Bilberry

• Tremendous in strengthening the vascular system (arteries, capillaries, and veins); great for varicose veins.
• Helps reduce inflammation (flavonoids) in the vascular walls, hence reduces arterioscle­rosis (obstruction of the vascular walls with lipids).
• Inhibits coagulation of platelets in the blood.
• Helps with edema, aids in diarrhea.
• Bilberry helps tone the skin.
• Helps prevent cataracts and protects eye tissue from effects of diabetes.
• Used in formulas to help control blood sugar levels.
• A great anti-inflammatory for all tissues.
• Helps to control stress and anxiety.
• A great aid in night blindness or any vision weakness.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

In recommended amounts, no side effects have been reported with bilberry extract. Bilberry leaf is safe with appropriate usage, but should not be taken in large quantities over an extended period of time because it may become toxic.