Bilberry: For
centuries Bilberry/Huckleberry has been used as a circulatory enhancer and
diabetic aid.
One of the most
beneficial aspects to Bilberry's circulatory effects is the fact that the most
affected are the areas which are usually the last to be improved, scalp, eyes,
dental and peripheral areas such as extremities. This is one of the dual
actions that diabetes patients value in Bilberry; it's proven action on the
circulatory system which complicates diabetes and the modification of blood
sugar levels in type I and type II diabetes. It has a legendary reputation
as aid to an diabetics.
During World War II RAF
pilots were forced to fly at night in order to accomplish any deep assault on
Germany. Many pilots and their crew members complained of the poor visibility
and its effects on their performance. It was just simply very difficult to work
in the dark.
One of the families of a flight leader had an older woman
who suggested using Bilberry jam as an aid to night vision. Researchers
found fifty years later what the RAF already knew, Bilberry's powerful effects
increased retinal purple (RHODOPSIN) by dramatic amounts in just twenty minutes
.
Further research showed that the RAF pilots who survived and
continued consuming the jam or other Bilberry products had several remarkable
aspects to their health. The most noticeable was perfect vision both near and
far as well as a complete absence of eye disorders throughout their lives. The
group was absent of any circulatory or digestive disorders in their medical
histories.
Another study showed
Bilberry to improve eyesight and increase occular blood supply in 75% of
patients. It improved nearsightedness after 5 months of regular use while an
83% improvement in visual acuity was recorded after only 15 days.
One of the more encouraging statistics regarding Bilberry's visual
enhancing properties is that over 80% of the people taking Bilberry for the
first time improved on their visual acuity exam and passed a night vision test
within 3 minutes of ingestion. Long term improvements took an average of 6
weeks with regular doses.
The anthocyanosides of
Bilberry which may vary in amounts from one variety to another have been proven
to be one of the more powerful antioxidants.
Ranked higher in activity
than vitamins E and C by Dr. Pierre Braquet, a well known phyto
researcheranthocyanosides prevent free radical damage to collagen and
collagenous tissue, making it one of the most important agents to treat
diseases such as osteoarthritis, gout, and periodontal diseases.
Vaccinium Myrtillus'
anthocyanosides proved consistently to increase the acetylcholine-induced
relaxation of isolated coronary arteries. This is a promising update to the
already impressive list of benefits of Bilberry.
Another quality of Bilberry
is the effect it has on the digestive system most notably, the stomach.
Bilberry increases the secretion of the mucuous layer that protects the stomach
from damage. A recent study showed Bilberry to inhibit ulcers in 63% of
patients at risk
The active constituents of
Bilberry are ericolin, arbutin, beta-amyrin, nonacosane, anthocyanosides,
notably myrtocyan. Anthocyanosides are a type of bioflavonoid which causes the
deep blue-red color of many berries. These anthocyanosides protect the vascular
system by strengthening the capillary walls.
This produces many of the
secondary benefits such as lowering of blood pressure, reduction of clots,
reducing varicosities and bruising, reversing poor blood supply and improving
blood supply specifically to the nervous system.
Bilberry is used in
Europe before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding and hemorrhaging. A recent
German medical journal reports Bilberry effective in reducing execcesive
bleeding by 71%. Bilberry also thins the blood by inhibiting the platelets from
adhesion to themselves improving capillary strength, and reducing capillary
leakage. This results in improved blood flow and dramatically reduces
clotting related health risks.
The fresh or dried berries
are useful for a feverish liver and are useful as an adjunct in stomach
conditions. In Russia the berries are called affectionately by the name
"Chernika" (LITTLE black ones) and are used with the leaves in tinctures
[NASTOIKA] for gastric colitis and other digestive problems.
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