ORGANIC BILBERRY TINCTURE 1:3 100ml
Notes: Improved vision was reported by 2nd world war pilots after eating the bilberry jam that was very popular at that time. It was reported that their night vision was sharpened. Subsequent research discovered many more virtues in bilberries, including improved capillary blood flow, which protects the micro-circulation to the eyes and strengthens the walls of the capillaries and veins generally giving many health benefits. There are at least 30 related species that look very similar and many more cultivated varieties grown throughout the world. The names can be confusing but if you remember the botanical name you will know what to look for.
Botanical name: Vaccinium myrtillus
Common Names: Huckleberry - Bilberry - Whortleberry-European Blueberry - Blaeberry
Family: Vaccinaceae
Habitat: Blueberry and Bilberry are members of the Ericacaea family and bear small bluish fruits with a bloom. Bilberries are native to Europe & Blueberries are native to North America although all the varieties of the species are often referred to as blueberries.
Parts used: Berries
Tincture strength: 1:3: 25% vol. alc.
Dose: 5mls in water twice daily
History: Bilberries/Blueberries have been valued as a nutritious wild food for centuries. The first mention of medicinal use appears in the works of Abbess Hildegarde of Bingen, a 12th Century visionary nun who was an herbalist, artist and author. She recommended Bilberry for several purposes including as a menstrual and respiratory tonic. In the 16th Century Bilberry was used for digestive upsets and scurvy.
Its resurgence as a superfood began with the discovery of its effect on night vision and was further stimulated by the discovery that it has one of the highest levels of anti-oxidant activity of all foods.
Science: Bilberries are rich in anthocyanosides, compounds in the plant's dark blue pigment which are powerfully antioxidant and protect delicate tissues.
An Italian trial used Bilberry and Vitamin E on people developing cataracts . The progression of the cataracts was stopped in 97%. Research programmes since 1964 have produced promising results for Bilberry’s positive effect on micro-circulation and improvement in peripheral blood flow .
The blueberry family made the headlines in August 2004 when a team of chemists from USDA, headed by Agnes Rimando, presented a paper reporting on new compounds found in several species of the Blueberry family. The three compounds known as stilbenes are found in the blue pigment of the fruits and they are Piceattanal, Reserveratrol and Pterostilbene which has been found tolower the LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol and triglycerides using a similar action to cholesterol lowering drugs called fibrates. According to the scientists the compound triggers a mechanism that causes the breaking down of the lipids, fats and cholesterol.
The blueberry family was already known to have anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-oxidant, anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, to contribute to keeping the brain young and maintaining a healthy heart, and to be very rich in Magnesium and Vitamin C, both of which contribute to the healthy functioning of all systems.
New studies on a selection of people in their seventies with early signs of memory loss seem to signal blueberries are really effective at helping improve and maintain good memories.
