Vaccinium myrtillus L., commonly called bilberry, huckleberry, whortleberry, and blackberry. The French for bilberry is Myrtille; in German, Hiedelbeere. Bilberry is a very close relative to cranberry and conta...
* Please Note: Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. Although we have done our best to review the validity of these uses and we continue to revise this information as new data emerges, the traditional uses indicated on this page for this product may be wrong. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not necessarily based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Vaccinium myrtillus L., commonly called bilberry, huckleberry, whortleberry, and blackberry. The French for bilberry is Myrtille; in German, Hiedelbeere. Bilberry is a very close relative to cranberry and contains many of the same ingredients.
Source
V. myrtillus, known as bilberry, can be found in most European countries, but it is a hardier plant than its cousins, growing equally well in forests and moorlands. All contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and glycosides in various proportions, depending on the variety, and from which part of the plant it is obtained.
Traditional Claims
Bilberry fruits have traditionally been used to treat acute cases of diarrhea. Extracts of the leaves have been used to treat diabetes, urinary tract infections, and as "metabolic stimulants."
Commission E Recommendations
Bilberry is used to treat diarrhea, oral or pharyngeal inflammation, and sore throat. Because of reports of jaundice associated with chronic use, the Commission placed the leaves on its unapproved list.
Proven Effects
Bilberry contains relatively high concentrations of flavonoids (quercetin and myrecetiri) and anthocyanidins. In the test tube, these chemicals prevent the oxidation of low density cholesterol (LDL), and LDL oxidation leads to coronary artery disease. These same flavonols and anthocyanidins are found in red wines and grape juice. Many researchers believe their presence helps explain why the French, who drink much more red wine, and eat much more fat than Americans, have fewer heart attacks. In Germany, products made with bilberry fruit (but not the leaves), are used to treat diarrhea. Products made with bilberry leaf, however, are not approved for sale, because long-term use is associated with jaundice, weight loss, and possibly even seizures.
Dosage
For the treatment of diarrhea, Commission E recommends 20 to 60 grams per day of the fruit.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
Bilberry may interfere with iron absorption.
Concerns
There is not enough published information about bilberry for anyone to make an informed decision about its use. Based on the experience of European herbalists, use of the leaves could be dangerous.
Warnings
Only the fruit should be used.
Drug Testing:
It seems unlikely that any of the components found in bilberry would interfere with standard workplace urine drug screening tests.
Additional Information
TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium-quality, natural source products that use only the finest, purest and most potent ingredients found around the world. TerraVita is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All of our products are prepared with the highest elements of quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, up to and including the moment that the bottles or bags are sealed for freshness and shipped out to you. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
TerraVita exists to meet and ensure your family's health and wellness without the harmful effects or chemicals and prescription medications. We strive to make all of our products affordable and reliable and are constantly searching the market to maintain our affordability and to look for new ways to serve you and the ones you love. TerraVita has become a trusted household name for many families and can bring you and yours the very best herbal supplements, blends, teas and spices that are on the market today.
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ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
