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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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Schizandra, also spelled Schisandra, is also known by the names Magnolia Vine and Fruit Of Five Flavors. Schizandra is a woody vine with numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries. It is found throughout northern and northeast China and the adjacent regions of Russia and Korea. The fully ripe, sun-dried fruit is used medicinally. In China, Schizandra is used to increase "the water of the genitals" referring to its use in nourishing sexual fluids. It is also said to "calm the heart and quiet the spirit." Long-term use is said to help beautify the skin and strengthen the capillaries surrounding the eyes. Schizandra is listed among China's most important herbs, and ancient traditional Chinese herbal medicine described Schizandra as a high-grade herbal drug useful for a wide variety of medical conditions - especially as a kidney tonic and lung astringent. Chinese herbalists still use Schizandra for coughs, night sweats, insomnia, thirst and physical exhaustion. Schizandra helps the body adapt to stress and nourishes the nervous system. Modern Chinese research suggests that lignans in Schizandra regenerate liver tissue damaged by harmful influences such as viral hepatitis and alcohol. Lignans are said to lower blood levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), a marker for infective hepatitis and other liver disorders. Schizandra fruit may also have an adaptogenic action, much like the herb ginseng, but with weaker effects. Using the berries internally helps the body to better utilize oxygen, thereby improving human endurance. |
