Linn.
Family: Vacciniaceae.
Habitat: UK, Europe and North America. (About 21 species of Vaccinium are found in India.)
English: Bilberry, Blueberry.
Action: Astringent, diuretic, refrigerant.
Key application: Fruit—in non- specific,acute diarrhoea; topically in mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat (German Commission E); anthocyanine enriched extracts of the fruit, in symptomatic treatment of problems related to varicose veins, such as heavy legs. (ESCOP.) Cranberry (Vaccinium sp.) is used in urinary incontinence and for UTI prevention. (Sharon M. Herr.)The main constituents of the Bilberry fruit are anthocyanosides 0.5%. Other constituents include tannins, hy- droxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonol glycosides, flavan-3-ols, iridoids, terpenes, pectins and organic plant acids. (ESCOP.)In India, V. symplocifolium Alston, syn. V. leschenaultH Wight, known as Kilapalam in Tamil Nadu, is abundantly found in the mountains of South India up to an altitude of 2,400 m V. neil- gherrense Wight, known as Kalavu in Tamil Nadu and Olenangu in Karnata- ka, is commonly found in the hills of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at altitudes of 600-2,000 m.
Vaccinium and Gaylussacia speciesDescription: These shrubs vary in size from 30 centimeters to 3.7 meters tall. All have alternate, simple leaves. Their fruits may be dark blue, black, or red and have many small seeds.Habitat and Distribution: These plants prefer open, sunny areas. They are found throughout much of the north temperate regions and at higher elevations in Central America.Edible Parts: Their fruits are edible raw.... blueberry and huckleberry
Vaccinium macrocarponDescription: This plant has tiny leaves arranged alternately. Its stem creeps along the ground. Its fruits are red berries.Habitat and Distribution: It only grows in open, sunny, wet areas in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere.Edible Parts: The berries are very tart when eaten raw. Cook in a small amount of water and add sugar, if available, to make a jelly.Other Uses: Cranberries may act as a diuretic. They are useful for treating urinary tract infections.... cranberry
Huckleberry. Vaccinum myrtillus L. French: Petit Myrte. German: Echte Heidelbeere. Italian: Baceri mirtillo. Fresh berries, rarely leaves.
Action. Anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, antemetic, astringent, diuretic, refrigerant, strengthens blood vessels, vein tonic. Inhibits growth of certain bacteria. Contains Vitamins A, C, P. Gather before fruit ripens.
Uses: Dropsy, gravel, violent irritable bowel, diverticulosis, nausea or vomiting, sore throat (gargle), leucorrhoea (douche), scurvy, Vitamin C deficiency. Popular in Russian Folk Medicine for gastro- enteritis and to reduce insulin intake in diabetes. Cleansing wash for old ulcers (decoction). Pharyngitis (gargle). Leukoplakia of the mouth, vagina and urethra – improvement reported. Crohn’s disease. Bacillus Coli infections. By stimulating production of visual purple improves vision, especially night vision. Varicose veins. Piles. Cystitis.
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Decoction: 1oz to 1 pint water, remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Wineglass freely.
Liquid Extract, dose: 2-8ml.
Home tincture. Handful bilberries to 1 pint Vodka. Cork or cap. Shake daily for 1 week. Filter. Wineglass freely.
Formula. Combines well with Meadowsweet and Horsetail (equal parts).
Powder, capsules: 280mg. 2 capsules thrice daily between meals. (Arkocaps)
Diet. Cooked fresh berries are a popular dessert. Equal parts leaves of Wild Strawberry, Thyme and Bilberry substitute for domestic tea.
Fresh berries. Chew 1-3 teaspoons daily. ... bilberry
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