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Herbal Supplements |
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The Herb and Supplement Index |
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Saturday, January 15, 2005 |
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Herbal Supplements |
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The Herb and Supplement Index |
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Saturday, January 15, 2005 |
| Name | bilberry |
| Origin | Northern Europe |
| Scientific Name | vaccinium myrtillus |
| Description | - Bilberry is a short, shrubby perennial that grows in the forests and wooded meadows of northern Europe. It is also a relative of the american blueberry. Also found in western Asia and the Rocky Mountains of North America. Bilberry is rich in proanthocyanins, which are members of the flavonoid family. - These bilberry flavonoids are potent antioxidants. They help to protect cells and membranes from damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. - Bilberry is the leading herbal remedy for healthy vision and various eye disorders. |
| Uses | - treat night blindness, a wide array of eye disorders including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration. - relieves varicose veins and hemorrhoids, especially in pregnancy. - A study of patients with age related cataracts, found that bilberry extract combined with vitamin E inhibited cataract formation in almost all of the participants. - may also be valuable in preventing and treating glaucoma. - as a tea for the relief of diarrhea as a gargle to treat mouth and throat inflammations. |
| Notes | has no known long term side effects. |
| Possible Side Effects |
| REMINDER | If you have a medical condition such as a heart condition, high blood pressure, palpatations, high blood sugar or other medical conditions talk to your doctor before taking supplements. |
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