Blueberries (Vaccinium Myrtillus)
thrive quickly in acid soil with plenty of sunshine. Many Blueberries grow
in patches of an acre or more when so allowed. The bushes do not have
thorns. Research shows that the American Indians would set fire to
surrounding brush to clear the land for the Blueberry bushes to multiply, a
practice that continues today.
There are 200 species of the Vaccinium family, most of which are found in
the Northern Hemisphere. More than 35 species are found on the North
American continent. All members of the Vaccinium family are edible. The
active ingredients in Blueberries are its flavonoids, specifically its
anthocyanosides. Concentrated extracts of Blueberries contain 40%
anthocyanosides. I am going to write more extensively of the medicinal
qualities of the anthocyanosides, but first, I am going to lead in with
something that I was taught in school back in the 60's. I don't want the
reader to be put off or scared by the big word "anthocyanoside" so I will
start with the grabber. The grabber for information about Blueberries will
be the antiseptic properties of the berry and leaf.
Take Blueberries camping with you... the dried Blueberries have
been used primarily for their astringent qualities in the treatment of
diarrhea...as few as five or six of the dried berries can cure diarrhea.
Studies have shown that a decoction of Blueberries will sterilize cultures
of colon bacillus and of Ebert's bacillus in a 24 hour period. The latter is
the Typhoid bacillus. Dried blueberries don't weigh much and are certainly
worth carrying in a backpack. Blueberries are a natural remedy for
persistent diarrhea and acute enteritis (inflammation of the small
intestine) caused by a virus or bacteria, radiation enteritis caused by
Xrays and intestinal fermentation.
Extract of Blueberry (available commercially under the name of
Bilberry, the "Old English" name for Blueberry) has been found to be an
antiviral in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza and
vaccinia (cowpox) virus. Extracts of blueberries have also been found to
kill or inhibit growth of funguses, yeasts and bacteria, including
Trichomonas vaginalis (an inflammation of the vagina that can be transmitted
to males-causing itching and discharge in both sexes).
High levels of anthocyanosides (and you won't have to be a chemist or
nutritionist to enjoy this) in the Blueberry are in no particular order of
importance. I have tried to show many valuable properties of the Blueberry.
Flavonoids - Anthocyanosides belong to a family called flavonoids.
Although not true vitamins, flavonoids have been given the name of Vitamin
"P". The P stands for permeability and is responsible for collagen
stabilization in the body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the
body, consisting of veins, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Collagen is
destroyed during the inflammation of arthritis, gout, periodontal disease as
well as other conditions of inflammation involving the joints, connective
tissues, bones and cartilage. Flavonoids not only aid in prevention of
collagen destruction, but also add to the strength of such tissue.
Blueberries, because of their high content of flavonoids, actually make the
collagen stronger by adhesion and cross linking with the collagen. They
improve circulation and feed the capillaries by altering the ability of
fluids and nourishment to pass through, inhibiting free radical damage and
improving the tone of the entire vascular system by strengthening all of the
veins and the arteries.
Blueberries benefit all capillaries, veins and the arteries and by doing so
improve the circulation to the hands, feet, brain and heart. Blueberries are
used to strengthen coronary arteries and varicose veins and help in reducing
arteriosclerosis and plaque deposits. Studies show that Blueberry should be
useful in most inflammatory or degenerative conditions involving connective
tissue (e.g. osteoarthritis, bursitis, cataracts, tendonitis, gout,
rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, glaucoma and diabetes retinal
degeneration.) The flavonoids in Blueberries with their potential
anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging action prevent free radical damage.
A decoction of Blueberry leaves has a long history in folk medicine in the
treatment of diabetes. Such usage has been supported by research in which
oral administration reduced elevated blood sugar levels-even when glucose
was administered simultaneously.
Blueberries are widely used in Europe as an antihemorrhage agent in
treatment of eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy. Blueberries
prevent eye damage, preserve eyesight and are helpful in treating myopia
(nearsightedness). Blueberry consumption may offer a great deal of
protection against retinal degeneration (particularly diabetic retinopathy
and diabetic cataracts). Blueberries may also offer significant protection
against the development of glaucoma because of its collagen enhancing
actions.
Blueberry protects eyesight by accelerating the production of retinal
purple, a substance that is critical for good vision. Blueberry jam was
given to Royal Air Force pilots who flew night missions during World War II.
They reported an increase in the ability to see at night, quicker adjustment
to darkness, faster restoration of sight after being exposed to glare and
improved ability to see in extremely bright daylight.
In Earl Mindell's book THE HERB BIBLE, he states that "European medical
journals are filled with studies confirming bilberry's positive effect on
vision. Unfortunately this herb has not received the attention it deserves
in the American medical community." In Europe hundreds of tons of
Blueberries are processed annually for use as an antihemorrhagic agent in
treatment of eye and vascular diseases.
Blueberries inhibit blood platelets sticking together reducing blood clots.
Platelet aggregation (sticking together) is associated with an increased
risk of heart attack, phlebitis and stroke. Included in the effects of the
flavonoids, including anthocyanosides, is their ability to increase the
Vitamin C levels in the individual cells thus increasing the body's auto
immune activities.
Blueberries, because of their large percentage of anthocyanosides, decrease
the permeability of the blood brain barrier, decreasing the ability of large
molecules to pass into the brain. Increased blood brain permeability has
been linked to auto immune diseases of the central nervous system,
schizophrenia, cerebral hemorrhage, etc. The anthocyanosides inhibit
destruction of the collagen of brain capillaries, thus helping to maintain
and restore the brain's protection from pollutants and toxins.
In many experiments and studies, anthocyanoside extracts have been shown to
have beneficial results by their action of muscle relaxation. This wound be
useful to people suffering from many forms of muscular cramping, including
limbs and menstrual cramping.
Blueberries have not only been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, but also
to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In animal studies,
blueberries is known to to decrease greatly the development of
atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis even in cholesterol loaded animals.
Either of these diseases is considered a large factor in stroke or angina
and a major cause of high blood pressure.
A warm infusion of blueberries is a stimulating astringent for sore throats
or sores in the mouth (including use after dental work.)
Because of the astringent properties of blueberries, they have been used to
stop hemorrhage and have been used to treat hemorrhoids.
Current research indicates that blueberries may be useful in the future in
treatment and prevention of ulcers. It is thought that this is due to the
blueberry's empowering of the defensive barriers of the gastrointestinal
mucous.
Blueberries can be purchased in capsule form or extracts, teas, or natural
states. Lucky are the people who can pick their own. The best method for
preservation is drying. Place the blueberries in a food dehydrator, on a
screen in a gas oven and use the pilot light only for drying, hang them with
a needle and thread, or spread them on screens in the shade.
To make an infusion (tea) of blueberries or blueberry leaves, place 3 t.
fresh blueberries or 1 tsp. dried in a non aluminum pan and cover with 2
cups of boiling water. Do not boil the herb itself. Let steep 15-20 min.
To make a decoction place 2 1/2 c. water in a non aluminum pan and add 1
tsp. dried or 3 tsp. fresh berries or leaves. Bring to just below boiling
point and simmer for 10-20 min.
To make a tincture, place leaves or berries in airtight non clear container.
Cover with alcohol of at least 90 proof (vodka). Cover and place the bottle
in a dark cool place. Shake 2-3 X a day. Amber bottles are preferred. Ready
for use 2 wks. Keeps indefinitely. Add to warm or cold water or place on a
sugar cube to administer. Dosage 10-30 drops per dose. Repeat 8-10 hrs
later.
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