BILBERRY

AKA: Black whortleberry, blueberry, burren myrtle, dyeberry, huckleberry, hurtleberry, Vaccinium corybosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, whineberry, whortleberry, wineberry.

Effects: A natural antioxidant. It is used in Europe to treat varicose veins, problems with blood circulation to the brain, and a variety of eye problems, including night blindness, photophobia, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and — in combination with vitamin E — cortical cataracts. Also used as an antiseptic, astringent, and antidiarrhea medication. Eating the fresh berries can reportedly regulate bowel action, stimulate the appetite, and reduce intestinal gas. As a tea, it is said to treat coughs, vomiting, stomach cramps, and catarrhal enteritis. Works synergistically with citrus fruits.

Precautions: Though the fresh berries can stop diarrhea in some people, they can cause it in others. Use of the leaves over an extended period of time can cause poisoning. It can interfere with the absorption of iron.

Dosage: As a tincture, 15-40 drops in water 3 times a day.