Latin name: Vaccinium myrtillusGenera: Heather plants, ericaceous plantsPopular names: Blueberry, Griffonberry, BlackberryPlant description: Small half-shrub with ovoid, coarse leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped, globular and green to reddish, changing to the well-known blue-black berries in the course of summer. Flowering time: May to JuneOrigin: Spread in forests and heathland in Europe.
Medicinally used plant parts
The fruits and the leaves.
Ingredients
Tannin, flavonoids, minerals, fruit acids, vitamins. According to the latest findings, the blue dye myrtillin from the berries is said to inhibit bacterial growth.
Curative effects and use of blueberry
When dried, blueberries are a frequently used diarrhea remedy, especially for summer diarrhea, also in children. In contrast, fresh blueberries have a slightly laxative effect. In folk medicine, blueberry leaves are ascribed an effect on mild diabetes, but this has not been scientifically proven.
Preparation of the blueberry
Pour 1⁄2 l of cold water over 3 heaped tablespoons of dried blueberries, heat to boil, boil for 10 minutes and strain. Add a pinch of salt and drink the tea in 3 portions spread over the day. It is also possible to consume 2 to 3 tablespoons of dried berries, but the above mentioned tea is more effective.
It is also possible to prepare a tea from the leaves, which can also be used for diarrhea: pour 1⁄4 l of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried leaves, cover and leave to infuse for a quarter of an hour, strain. Drink one cup 3 times a day. Blueberry leaves must not be used under any circumstances (for example mixed with bean peel) as a substitute for drug therapy for diabetes. A corresponding effect has not been proven.
Side effect
No side effects are expected from the berries. In the case of the leaves, side effects may occur in case of extreme overdose.
