Bilberry Fruit / Eyebright

Bilberry is a perennial shrub that is native to northern areas of Europe, Asia and the United States and Canada. Bilberry is also known by the names Blueberry, Whortleberry, Black Whortles, Hurtleberry, Trackleberry, Dyeberry, Whinberry, Huckleberry and Grouseberry. The Bilberry plant produces a fruit similar to the American Blueberry, but containing higher quantities of constituents useful for visual acuity and night blindness. The genus, Vaccinium, is derived from was used in classical Latin for a type of berry (probably the bilberry), but its ultimate derivation is obscure; contrary to some thought, it has nothing to do with vaccinum "of or pertaining to cows." Bilberry Fruit was frequently taken during World War II by British pilots to enhance their night vision before flights. Today, Bilberry is being is used as an antioxidant and is thought to be very beneficial for strengthening red blood cells and capillaries around the eyes. By supplying added oxygen to the blood, Bilberry benefits all capillaries in the body to improve circulation to the hands and feet. Bilberry is rich in fatty acids, bioflavonoids, iron, zinc and phosphorus. It also contains mallic and ursolic acids, magnesium, selenium, and trace amounts of sodium and calcium. The fruits are astringent and can be especially valuable in the botanical support of diarrhea and dysentery, typically in the form of syrup. A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root may be used as a local application to ulcers and in cases of ulceration of the mouth and throat. Best when taken over time, Bilberry influences its unique nutritional properties by strengthening the immune system. It is also useful for relieving stress, inflammation and anxiety. Bilberry is also said to be beneficial as a urinary tract antiseptic, as well as a daily dietary supplement.

Eyebright somewhat resembles a bloodshot eye, which may have been part of what led ancient peoples to value this plant for eye problems. An old French term for Eyebright was casse-lunettes, which means "break your glasses." The genus, Euphrasia, is derived from the Greek name, Euphrosyne, who was one of the goddesses of the Three Fates, and whose name means "gladness." This refers to the gladness one felt when his/her vision was improved after using this herb. Eyebright was used primarily in the Middle Ages as a tonic because of its astringent properties. However, today Eyebright is used more frequently for relieving eye problems such as eye strain, pink eye and inflamed, irritated and sore eyes. Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and tannins. The plant has astringent properties that probably account for its usefulness as a topical treatment for inflammatory states and its ability to reduce mucous drainage. Eyebright's antibiotic and astringent properties tighten membranes and mucus surrounding the eyes, effectively strengthening and improving circulation. Rich in vitamins A and C, Eyebright also contains tannins that are beneficial for reducing inflammation. Astringent properties found in Eyebright make it ideal for relieving excess mucus and infectious conditions generally associated with sinusitis allergies, colds and upper respiratory problems. Eyebright has recently been used for cleansing and purifying the blood, therefore also stimulating healthy liver functions.