Bilberry

             The bilberry is the fruit of a type of senna that grows close to the ground. It is a fellow of the genus vaccinium. The bilberry is native to Europe , whereas the bilberry and huckleberry are domestic to North America. They are closely connected and members of the same genus.

                                        

                                                  The bilberry is know by many names. It is also called blueberry, whortleberry, whinberry, myrtle blueberry, fraughan and likely other names in different places. In Thomas Hardy's 1878 book. The return of the domestic, they were called black-hearts in 19th century southern England.

                                 

Uses:

• Bilberry is most commonly used as a part of treatment for various vision and eye disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration .
• However, people with glaucoma should be monitored by an aye doctor regularly , and those with acute glaucoma should not depend on bilberry alone to protect their vision.
• They can use bilberry  along with other emergency medical treatments.
• Bilberry is included in the treatments for many types of retinopathy and is also used for eye fatigue, poor night vision, and near sightedness.
• It can be used as a preventative measure for glaucoma and cataracts, and to help those who requires precise night vision like cab drivers and pilots.
• Bilberry circulations improving and cholesterol lowering qualities make it useful in the treatment of varicose veins and atherosclerosis.

• It is also occasionally prescribed for arthritis. 

Health  Benefit:

                                                                

Nutrition Facts:

        Precautions:   

                                   

•  Bilberry may be used as prevention and herbal support for eye conditions, but should not replace medical care.
• Consumers with some problems should be thoroughly and immediately examined by an ophthalmologist( eye specialist) before any treatment or remedy is used.
• Not enough is known about the use of bilberry during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Bilberry leaf might lower blood sugar. Take bilberry leaves along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
• Bilberry might affect blood glucose levels. This could interface with blood sugar controlling and after surgery. Stop taking bilberry at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.  

Dosing:

  The following doses have been studied in scientific research :

By Mouth:

•  The typical dose of the dried, ripe berries 20-60 grams daily. People also drink a type of teaspoon from 5-10 grams (1-2 teaspoon) of the mashed berries.
• A dose of 160 mg of bilberry extract taken twice daily has been used in people with diseased retinas.
• Bilberry leaf is commonly used as a tea. The tea is prepared by steeping 1 gram, 1-2 teaspoons, finely chopped dried leaf in 150 ml boiling water for 5-10 minutes, and then straining. Don't use bilberry leaf long-time.