
In modern herbal medicine, extracts of bilberry fruit are used to treat atherosclerosis and other circulatory system problems. The fruit's rich pigments act as powerful antioxidants in the body and may help protect against heart disease, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to other health problems.
To benefit from the health enhancing effects of bilberry, enjoy a cup per day of the fresh fruit (blueberries are a perfect substitute if you can't find bilberry).
For a delicious tea:
simmer 1 Tb. dried berries in 2 c. of water for 20 minutes; strain and drink.
Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World's Most Effective Healing Plants. (2012) p. 103-105. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Chu W, Cheung SCM, Lau RAW, et al. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. (2011). Chapter 4. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. Accessed 10 Aug 2017 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/
Basu, Arpita, Michael Rhone, and Timothy J Lyons. "Berries: Emerging Impact on Cardiovascular Health." Nutrition reviews 68.3 (2010): 168–177. PMC. Web. 10 Aug. 2017.
Erlund I, Koli R, Alfthan G, et al. "Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol." Am J Clin Nutr. (2008) Feb;87(2):323-31.
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