Bilberry is said to improve eyesight, including night vision. Bilberry is a plant close to blueberry. It has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century.
As a remedy in Europe, bilberry has been used to treat scurvy, vascular and blood disorders, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, stomach and digestive problems, such as nausea, indigestion and diarrhea, sore throat, and sinusitis.
Modern clinical research has confirmed that eating bilberries can improve visual acuity and can help improve vision in those with certain eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
During World War II, bilberry jam was given to British Royal Air Force pilots before starting their nighttime missions, and they’d noticed that their night vision was sharper than usual.
Researchers found that bilberry contains chemicals called tannins that helps improve diarrhea, as well as mouth and throat irritation, by reducing swelling (inflammation).
Bilberry leaves are a good source of chromium, which may help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The chemicals called flavonoids and anthocyanosides in bilberry leaves might also improve circulation in people with diabetes. Blueberry may have no direct effects to treat diabetes. But may have effects to improve blood circulation in people with diabetes or high blood pressure, especially when they also have eye problems.
How to consume bilberry? You can enjoy fresh bilberries, or bilberry tea made from the dried berries or its leaves.
As a fruit, fresh bilberry is likely safe for most people. But consuming bilberry leaf for a long time may lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar closely. Anyway, before using it as a remedy to help treat a disease, you should consult your doctor.
For more information about natural remedies for eye care, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/eye/
