Products
Preparations from blueberries are available in pharmacies and drugstores in the form of teas, capsules, and as juice, among others. The medicinal drug is available as an open commodity. Blueberries are a typical ingredient in wild berry jams.
Stem plant
Bilberry L. is a perennial, low-growing shrub of the heather family (Ericaceae) native to Europe.
Medicinal drug
The dried blueberries (Myrtilli fructus siccus or Myrtilli fructus) are usually used as a medicinal drug, the dried, ripe fruits of . The fresh blueberries (Myrtilli fructus recens) are the fresh or frozen ripe fruits. They have a sweet and astringent taste. Bilberry leaves (Myrtilli folium) are less common. Commission E advises against their use.
Ingredients
The ingredients of bilberries include:
- Tannins
- Anthocyanins, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, flavonoids.
- Organic acids, phenolic carboxylic acids
- Vitamins
Effects
Bilberries and their preparations have astringent (astringent and tanning), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antimicrobial and capillary sealing (edema-protective) properties.
Indications for use
- For supportive treatment of nonspecific, acute diarrhea and inflammation of the mouth and throat.
- An extract of bilberries is approved in many countries for the treatment of diseases of the blood capillaries (myrtaves), for example, diabetic retinopathy and microangiopathy.
- As a healthy food and beverage (“superfood”).
Dosage
According to the package leaflet. For a cup of tea, boil one to two tablespoons of dried blueberries with water for 10 minutes. Strain afterwards. You can also chew one to two teaspoons of blueberries and take with liquid.
Contraindications
Bilberries are contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity. In cases of prolonged diarrhea, blood in the stool, associated symptoms such as fever, and diarrhea in infants and young children, a doctor should be consulted. The first-line treatment for diarrhea is oral rehydration solution. Full precautions can be found in the Instructions for Use.
Adverse effects
Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Blueberries may temporarily discolor the mouth, teeth, and stools and cause diarrhea.
