Description
- Eclectic Institute - Bilberry Herbal Extract - 1 oz. (30 ml) Eclectic Institute Bilberry Herbal Extract drops contain dried bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus ) leaf and berry. About Bilberry Parts used and where grown A close relative of American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern Europe, Canada, and the United States. The ripe berries are primarily used in modern herbal extracts. Historical or traditional use The dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a wide variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and diabetes. Perhaps the most sound historical application is the use of the dried berries to treat diarrhea. Modern research of bilberry was partly based on its use by British World War II pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids. Active constituents Anthocyanosides, the flavonoid complex in bilberries, speed the regeneration of rhodopsin, the purple pigment that is used by the rods in the eye for night vision. While earlier trials suggested that taking bilberry could benefit people with night blindness, more recent trials with healthy volunteers have found no effect of bilberry on night vision. Preliminary human trials conducted in Europe show that bilberry may prevent cataracts, and may even help to treat people with mild retinopathies (such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy). Anthocyanosides are potent antioxidants. They support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve capillary and venous blood flow. Bilberry may also prevent blood vessel thickening due to diabetes. Bilberry protects cholesterol from oxidizing in test tubes. While this action is thought to help prevent atherosclerosis, no human trials have studied whether bilberry may be useful in the regard. About Organic Alcohol Eclectic chooses to utilize alcohol for their extracts that is made with certified organic sugar cane. The advantages of organic alcohol over conventional grain alcohol are; sugar cane alcohol is hypo-allergenic. Studies have shown that corn alcohol passes the allergens of corn to the spirit that is derived from corn. By using sugar cane alcohol Eclectic is able to bypass any corn allergy problems which may be aggravating the health condition. Corn is also one of the most sprayed crops in the US. Each year millions of pounds herbicide and pesticides are sprayed on corn crops. We feel by using certified organic sugar cane for our alcohol we are offering the consumer a truly organic product as well as an environmentally sound product. Is Organic Alcohol really an issue? In October of 1994 there was a report released titled "Tap Water Blues". This report outlines the herbicide poisoning of several large communities along the Mississippi River. The indiscriminate use of herbicides on corn crops in the Midwest is indicated as to the cause of these poisons in drinking water. Eclectic Institute Frequently Asked Questions Plants have provided mankind with food and medicine since ancient times. Rich traditions have arisen on every continent involving the use of herbs for nourishing, cleansing and balancing the body, mind and spirit. Many of these traditions have been passed down and enriched with scientific understanding, and made available in the form of practical information for the maintenance of optimum health. What about herbal quality? Herb quality cannot be over emphasized. It is critical to effective herbal therapy that the proper plants are picked in the proper season and used fresh. High quality herbs will retain all the characteristics of the whole herb: aroma, color, taste and effect. Whenever possible the plants used should be organically grown or locally abundant herbs can be specifically wildcrafted to avoid contamination (such as with pesticides). Many commercially available bulk herbs contain residues from agricultural chemicals
- UPC # 023363101016
- Size/Form 1 oz.
Suggested Use: Shake well before using. Mix 15-30 drops in warm water and take this tea 1-3 times daily. INGREDIENTS Dried, Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) leaf and berry. Filtered water. Organic alcohol content: 45%. Dry Herb Strength: 1:4. WARNINGS Keep out of reach of children. Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur. Consult your health care advisor regarding the use of herbs during pregnancy, with infants or with prescription drugs.
