(Vaccinium myrtillus; 250 mg/ml)
• used to treat diarrhoea
• used to treat digestive disorders
• used to treat circulatory problems, including varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and easy bruising
• used for the treatment and prevention of eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degenerative myopia, eyestrain, retinopathy, and night blindness
• Used adjunctively with dietary change for management of mild to moderate non-insulin dependent type two diabetes mellitus
• Used adjunctively with dietary change for management of mild to moderate hyperlipidemia
Bilberry is an herbal remedy that has been employed for nearly a thousand years in Western medicine.
Bilberry has been traditionally used for cases of non-specific, acute diarrhoea. Its astringent therapeutic action arises from the high tannin content of the berry.
Modern research lists bilberry’s other well-documented medicinal effects:
assists vision; decreases vascular permeability; protects against oxidative stress; astringent and anti-inflammatory to mucosa of the intestinal tract.
Traditionally bilberry has been used to treat problems of visual acuity. In fact, fighter pilots during World War II used the berry to enhance their night vision. Focussing on the powerfully antioxidant flavonoids called anthocyanosides that it contains, subsequent studies have verified its “effectiveness in improving night time vision, faster restoration of vision after a glare, as well as in the treatment of many other eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, as well as varicose veins.” These same flavonoids “strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.” Not only that, but they protect the stomach lining from digestive acids and act as a prophylactic against ulcers.
Bilberry leaves were shown to contain a particularly high chromium level of 9.0 ppm. Chromium is a component of the so-called glucose tolerance factor, which is suitable for treating induced diabetes mellitus type II in animal experiments. Indeed, preliminary evidence suggests that bilberry leaf extract has blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol lowering effects.
Administration:
50-100 drops (1.6-3.2ml), three times daily, in a mouthful of water, between meals
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking blood thinners. If diarrhea persists for more than 3-4 days, consult a health care practitioner.
Available in bottle sizes of 50mL, 100mL, and 250mL.
A Note On Tinctures
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you'll be surprised to learn that it's about the same as what you'd find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
For more information on the benefits of tinctures and other health related subjects, please visit our Your Health pages.
Ingredients:
Certified Organic
Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus)
Testimonials
Very well-known in North America for their outstanding quality... they maintain the highest standards in the industry.
"The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) has a long-standing, professional and fruitful relationship with St. Francis Herb Farm, very well-known in North America for their outstanding quality and wide variety of products. Since the late 1980's, when CCNM and St. Francis established this relationship, it has been our experience that they maintain the highest standards in the industry consistently exceeding, and in many ways setting the standards. As significant, they ascertain rigorous quality assurance while maintaining affordable prices to patients. Moreover, they have communicated their firm commitment to routine analytical testing of their tinctures.
My extensive professional network of colleagues in Ontario and beyond, all agree that St. Francis not only provides top quality products but also excellent customer service and support. As well, in our opinion, they have a firm commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly agricultural techniques and practices."
Gannady Raskin, ND
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON
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