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Bilberry is a perennial shrub that is native to northern areas of Europe, Asia and the United States and Canada. Bilberry is also known by the names Blueberry, Whortleberry, Black Whortles, Hurtleberry, Trackleberry, Dyeberry, Whinberry, Huckleberry and Grouseberry. The Bilberry plant produces a fruit similar to the American Blueberry, but containing higher quantities of constituents useful for visual acuity and night blindness. The genus, Vaccinium, is derived from was used in classical Latin for a type of berry (probably the bilberry), but its ultimate derivation is obscure; contrary to some thought, it has nothing to do with vaccinum "of or pertaining to cows." Bilberry Fruit was frequently taken during World War II by British pilots to enhance their night vision before flights. Today, Bilberry is being is used as an antioxidant and is thought to be very beneficial for strengthening red blood cells and capillaries around the eyes. By supplying added oxygen to the blood, Bilberry benefits all capillaries in the body to improve circulation to the hands and feet. Bilberry is rich in fatty acids, bioflavonoids, iron, zinc and phosphorus. It also contains mallic and ursolic acids, magnesium, selenium, and trace amounts of sodium and calcium. The fruits are astringent and can be especially valuable in the botanical support of diarrhea and dysentery, typically in the form of syrup. A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root may be used as a local application to ulcers and in cases of ulceration of the mouth and throat. Best when taken over time, Bilberry influences its unique nutritional properties by strengthening the immune system. It is also useful for relieving stress, inflammation and anxiety. Bilberry is also said to be beneficial as a urinary tract antiseptic, as well as a daily dietary supplement. |
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Citrus Bioflavonoids are natural substances found in plants, fruits, vegetables, nuts, bark and buckwheat. Citrus Bioflavonoids help protect capillaries, prevent bruising, and they intensify the effect of vitamin C in the body. In fact, bioflavonoids are essential for total effectiveness of vitamin C. Citrus Bioflavonoids provide natural antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. In addition, certain bioflavonoids are beneficial for fighting infections, free radical damage, viruses and common colds. Bioflavonoids have also been used to help alleviate symptoms related to allergies and respiratory conditions. Citrus Bioflavonoids are said to possess the properties of a vitamin and are sometimes referred to as vitamin P. They are found in several forms, including Hesperidin, eriodictyl, Quercetin, Rutin and hesperitin. They cannot be produced by the body and, therefore, must be taken as dietary supplements. Typical sources for bioflavonoids also include the natural substances found in the peels of citrus fruits, peppers and black currants. Other sources include apricots, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, oranges, prunes and rose hips. The bioflavonoid, Quercetin, is typically available in capsule form as a supplement by itself. Rutin, commonly used in vitamin C supplements to boost its effecticacy, is most often derived from the buckwheat plant and provides a non-acidic source of vitamin C. Daily use of Citrus Bioflavonoids is said to be helpful to those suffering from bruising, varicose veins, spider veins, arthritis, hemorrhage, phlebitis, high cholesterol levels, Herpes virus, cataracts, general inflammation, bleeding gums, blood clots, scurvy, hemorrhoids, edema and hypertension. |
