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Bilberry is otherwise called blaubeeren, dwarf bilberry, European bilberry, huckleberry, hurtleberry, whortleberry and wine berry. Billberies are highly nutritional herbs which were historically valued as foods because of its exceptional tastes and health benefits.

Today, they are still frequently used to make beverages, syrups, pies and jams. The herbal medicines have been utilized in humans to treat diarrhea and hemorrhoids. It is also used to treat mouth and mucous membrane inflammations as they have considerable astringent action.

It became more popular when it was used during World War II by several soldiers. They have noticed significant improved night vision after taking bilberries and have been very interested thereafter with this fruit’s medicinal properties.

The most important part used as main component in herbal supplements is the dried ripe fruit or fresh fruit itself. It mainly contains catechin, tannins, invert sugar, vitamin C, fruits acids, and chromium which play an important role in its pharmacological action. The deep blue pigment color of the fruit is due to its constituent anthocyanosides that increases as the fruit ripens.

What are the health benefits of Billberry?

Main Actions:

The pharmacological effects of bilberry have not been tested with humans, so facts are generally taken inside the laboratory and animal research or mainly based on recognizable information about primary constituents found within the herb.

• Anti-edema
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Astringent
• Hypoglycemic activity
• Improves visual function
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Protects gastrointestinal system

Other Actions:

• Anti-angiogenic
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-platelet

Known Uses:

In Europe, uses of bilberry extracts are more popular and have been investigated in several clinical experiments, mostly in non-English countries. Thus, many research papers have been available in other languages. To provide a more comprehensive description of the evidence easily accessible, secondary sources have been utilized as needed.

• Acute diarrhea
• Mild mouth and throat inflammation
• Hemorrhoids, varicose veins and venous insufficiency
• Ophthalmic conditions, improving night vision, photophobia, light adaptation and avoiding diabetic retinopathy

Pregnancy:

Bilberry was taken by women diagnosed of pregnancy induced hypertension and found significant improve symptoms of itching and burning, edema, leg cramps, pain and heaviness.

Other Uses:

It was anciently used as treatment for hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, GI inflammatory conditions, diabetes, dysentery and inhibits lactation. Externally, its useful benefits include fast wound healing, ulcers and skin infection. Recently, it is used as treatment for venous insufficiency, Raynaud’s disease, peptic ulcers, nose bleed and bleeding gums.

Dosage Range

INTERNAL:

• Fluid extract: 6–12 ml/day taken in three divided doses
• Oral dose forms: provides 50–288 mg of anthocyanins daily.
• Decoction of dried herb: 5–10 gm of crushed, dried fruit in 150 ml of cold water boiled for 10 minutes and strained while hot. For diarrhea: drink the cold decoction several times a day.
• Gargle: Make a 10% decoction using the above preparation.
• Fresh fruit: 20–50 g daily.

EXTERNAL:

• 5–10 g crushed dried fruit in 150 ml of cold water, boil for 10 minutes then strained while hot to make a decoction for local application.

Toxicity:

High doses of bilberry were administered to rats, showing no adverse effects.

Adverse Reaction:

• No adverse effect was known
• Only 4% experienced side-effects related to gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and skin.

Significant Interaction:

Actual studies are not currently available, thus interactions are mainly theoretically or based on evidence of pharmacological actions with vague clinical implications.

• Anticoagulant
• Antiplatelet
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Iron

Contraindications and Precautions:

High dosage (more than 170 mg) should be use with caution by individuals having blood disorders.

Pregnancy Use:

A study conducted with pregnant women having diagnosed of serious pregnancy-induce hypertension showed no evidence of adverse effects. Bilberry is likely to be safe when consumed in moderate amounts.

Supplement Reference:

• Bilberry extract is a well-known treatment for preventing and treating retinopathy in Western countries. It is however used to treat other eye health problems such as cataract, myopia, glaucoma, photophobia, glare sensitivity, poor light adaptation and night vision.
• Bilberry has an exceptionally amount of polyphenol as an essential ingredient. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent actions make it incredibly magnificent. Laboratory results show an anti-cancer effect.
• Several studies suggest it may lower glucose level, as well as, triglycerides in diabetic patient. It can also prevent peptic ulcer from developing due to stress or NSAIDs. However, in-depth studies should be made to confirm these effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any safety health issues that need to consider?

You don’t need to worry much as this berry is considered one of the safest herbs. Evidenced based theory explained bilberry reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes and should be carefully monitored during the entire duration. Given at high doses can interact with anti-platelet drugs and warfarin.

What will this health supplement do for me?

• Billbery is mainly used to alleviate symptoms of mild diarrhea and promote good night vision, hemorrhoids, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, peptic ulcer, photophobia and glare sensitivity. It is also used as gargle mouthwash, paint for mild mouth and throat inflammation including pharyngitis and gingivitis.

When can I expect to see full-benefits of this herb?

• It will actually depend on the indication. Improvements in glare sensitivity, photophobia and night vision have been reported within 2-4 week in some individuals while other preventive effects are most likely to require long-term use. On the other hand, a person having diagnosed peripheral vascular disease may require 30 days of treatment before you could feel or see the result.

Aloe Vera or otherwise called Aloes, Barbados aloe or Curacao aloe has been traditionally used as herbal medicine. It was found out that during 2100 BC it has been already utilized, as evidently written in a Mesopotamian clay tablet. It is useful as treatment for wounds, burns and other skin conditions. Aloe Vera is classified as an anti-inflammatory agent, laxative, general tonic, aphrodiasiac and anti-worm by ancient races such as Spaniards, Indians, Arabs, Greeks, and Romans.

It is believed that Alexander the Great, the most popular king of Macedonia, conquered an island in the Indian Ocean which has an abundance of Aloe Vera, in order to treat his much-loved soldiers. In today’s society, Aloe Vera is used to ease skin diseases and treat burns. It is integrated in many beauty and cosmetic products, proving very satisfying results.

The part that is usually used in Aloe Vera is its magical leaf, from which several health products are made, namely the juice, extract, gel and the exudates. The exudates are yellow-colored, tastes bitter and has thick residue, coming from the latex. It is made of 99% water and sugar as well. The gel is a clear gel produced by the central part of the leaf. It contains several well-known beneficial minerals such as sodium, iron, zinc, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and calcium. It also contains sufficient amount of folic acid, niacin, thiamine, vitamins A, B12, C, and E. On the other hand, diluted aloe gel is otherwise known as aloe juice or Aloe Vera extract.

What are the health benefits of Aloe Vera?

Main Actions
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anti-ulcer
Antiviral
Assist in faster wound healing
Boost immune system
Hypoglycemic
Laxative

Known Uses

Although Aloe Vera products have many uses, the main usage is really to treat skin conditions. Aloe is used to heal wounds at a faster rate, treat burns, ulcers, genital herpes, frostbite and psoriasis. The healing action may be due to its anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Most studies suggest that skin application of Aloe Vera gel is more effected in wound healing and effectively reduces bacteria. However, there are some negative studies, as it has been found that Aloe Vera gel composition varies, even within the same species. Composition mainly depends on the processing method used, including the region, climate, and source. Scientists also found out that Aloe Vera significantly reduced redness, dermatitis, wrinkling, irritation, dry skin and improved skin integrity.

Skin Conditions
Burns
Frostbite
Genital Herpes
HIV
Psoriasis
Radiation-induced dermatitis
Ulcers

Gastrointestinal Conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ulcerative Colitis

Other Uses
Asthma
Cancer
Diabetes

Dosage Range
Aloe Vera gel: fresh from a living plant or as stabilized juice of 25 ml, which can be used up to four times a day.
Extracts standardized to acemannan: each preparation should contain up to 800 mg/day.
Topical application: gel, cream or ointment as required.
1.5–4.5 ml daily of 1:10 tincture of resin (latex).

Adverse Reaction

A 47-year old man claimed he was hypersensitive and was able to manifest contact dermatitis, generalized rashes and itchiness with 4 years intake of oral and topical Aloe Vera. On the other hand, patch tests for aloe also resulted same results.

Significant Interactions

Precaution should be considered when taking Aloe Vera with the following drugs.
Hypoglycemic Agents
Laxatives
Topical Steroid Preparations

Contraindications and Precautions
Caution with person with thyrotoxicosis
Children: avoid strong laxative
Depression and reduced T3 and T4 (thyroid hormones)
Do not use for more than 2 weeks, as potassium can be depleted, which may possibly harm the heart
Hypersensitive to Aloe
Person suffering from nausea, vomiting, or other signs of GI obstruction

Pregnancy Use
Strong laxative such as aloe latex are contraindicated.

* Known Benefits
Aloe may be beneficial adjunct as treatment of chronic fatigue, cancer, HIV, and treatment of chronic poor immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits can I get from this herb?
Aloe Vera has been proven to be very effective in treating wounds, burns, and other skin inflammation. However, the composition of Aloe Vera products may vary depending on processing factor and geographical location. It is also used as treatment for GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal ulcer and dyspepsia.

When can I expect its full therapeutic action?
Aloe has an immediate health effect on skin inflammation and burns. Improvement can be noticed after several days or week of usage, with satisfying results. However, chronic illnesses may require long-term use. But, if use as laxative, it can produce result in 12-24 hours only.

Are there any safety health issues that I need to consider?
As what experts say, aloe gel is non-toxic and safe to use. However, avoid chronic use of laxative preparations containing highly irritant compound called anthraquinone glycosides, mostly found in the latex.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome or commonly known as CFS affects tens of thousands of individuals today. It is a complicated disorder with no known cause, although studies suggest that it strongly associated to a previous viral infection, chemical sensitivity, adrenal gland dysfunction, autonomic nervous system disorder, or food allergy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition what exists for more six months or more. It is mostly accompanied by cognitive difficulties (problems with short-term memory or attentiveness) that may worsen with mental and physical activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.

You may be diagnosed of CFS if you have experienced these eight official symptoms, including the main symptom that gives the condition its name. These are fatigue, sore throat, extreme exhaustion which last 24 hours after mental or physical activity, unrefreshing sleep, headache, pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or tenderness, and loss of memory. In addition, people with CFS have reported various signs and symptoms, these include weight gain or loss, visual disturbance, tingling sensation, shortness of breath, chills and night sweat, nausea, morning stiffness, jaw pain, irregular heartbeat, earache, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Females are more affected than in males which occur most commonly in young to middle-aged adults. People with CFS are often incapable to perform normally at work and home because of their long-term fatigue and problems with short-term memory. This can lead to severe depression, but depression is not a cause of CFS. Common allergens are found to be corn, wheat, and milk. It is important to exercise regularly and reduce stress as much as possible. Home oxygen therapy may be helpful as well.

Fatigue can be a symptom of numerous illnesses, such as infections or mental disorders. In most cases, see your doctor if you have recurrent or too much fatigue. The earlier a person with CFS receives medical management the greater the possibility that the disease will resolve. In addition, severe fatigue that prevents you from completely accomplishing activities at home, work or school may be a symptom of an underlying medical problem.

Nutritional Supplements:

• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin B12—injections, increases energy.
• Magnesium—200 to 300 mg, if deficient, take with potassium; in aspartate form.
• Carnitine—1 g three times a day, necessary for energy production in the mitochondria of cells.

Herbal Supplements:

• Astragalus—has antiviral properties, enhances the immune system.
• Echinacea—supports the immune system.
• Garlic—has antiviral properties, supports the immune system.
• Ginseng—2 to 4 g dried root, 10 to 20 ml tincture, or 2 to 4 ml extract three times daily, improves stamina and energy; alternate after 6 to 8 weeks of licorice.
• Licorice root—2 to 3 g powdered root or 2 to 4 ml extract, strengthens adrenal gland function which may be weak in individuals with the illness, has antiviral properties.

Aromatherapy:

• Bergamot, Rose, Neroli—use for massage or drops in bath, enhances mood.
• Tea tree, Niaouli—use for massage or in bath, strengthens immune system.

Ayurvedic Medicine:

Effective treatments are prescribed.

• Ashwaganda
• Amla
• Bala
• Triphala
• Lomatium
• Cluster fig
• Ginger

Chinese Medicine:

• Chinese angelica—restores energy.
• Acupuncture

Homeopathy:

According to symptoms:

• Baptisia
• China
• Gelsemium
• Mercurius corrosivus

Crohn’s Disease

As we have noticed, the incidence and prevalence have increased progressively during the last 50 years. Crohn’s disease is lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that is more frequent among men than women.

Crohn’s disease is sometimes called ileitis or regional enteritis. It is similar with ulcerative colitis in which both causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These conditions are known because of its unpredictable remission and exacerbation. It can greatly affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.

However, common locations include the terminal part of the intestine, the beginning of the large intestine and the area around the anus.  Symptoms are very painful and inconvenient, resulting to severe GI tract damage.  You may sometimes faint, have fast heart rate, severe stomachache, fever, weight loss, fatigue, chills, vomiting and bloody diarrhea repeatedly. There have been no known cause but are associated with stress-related, food allergies or an autoimmune disorder.

Crohn’s disease can take place at any age, but most people recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease are aged 15-30 years. It is at times newly diagnosed in people aged 60-80 years. It can be successfully cured when allergens have been removed from the diet. The most common offenders are wheat, yeast, dairy, corn, sugar, eggs, and vegetables particularly broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. Histamine that is released during an allergic reaction may not be broken down appropriately in affected individuals. Malabsorption can be an impediment and a diagnosis should be made for any dietary deficiencies. Smoking does aggravate Crohn’s disease. Avoid as much as possible of animal fats and omega-6 vegetable oils as they have an inflammatory effect on the system.

Crohn’s disease can be a devastating disease. However, with proper medical treatment and other measures used to lessen the discomfort of exacerbation, most people learn to cope with the condition. Nearly everyone with Crohn’s disease can live a normal life.

Nutritional Supplements:

Multivitamins and minerals

• Quercetin—400 mg, take 20 minutes before meals, for allergies, a bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties.
• EPA/DHA—2 to 3 g, enteric coated free fatty acid form, has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces recurrence rate.
• Folic acid—800 mcg, if deficient.
• Vitamin B12—800 mcg, if deficient.
• Zinc—25 to 50 mg, if deficient; may need to be balanced with copper.
• Vitamin D—if deficient.
• Pancreatic enzymes—under the supervision of a physician.

Herbal Supplements:

• Slippery elm, Marshmallow—has mucilaginous properties, soothes inflamed tissues.
• Aloe vera—1 tsp juice after meals, contains healing properties.
• Wild indigo—an astringent, inhibits growth of harmful bacteria in intestinal tract.
• Goldenseal—antimicrobial, soothing to the intestines.
• Green tea, Raspberry—contains tannins that help clear up diarrhea; tannins have astringent qualities that contract tissues.
• Licorice root—has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chamomile, Peppermint—relieves muscle spasms and gas.
• Echinacea—supports the immune system.
• Hops—have antispasmodic activity; aid digestion.

Aromatherapy:

• Basil—an antispasmodic.
• Roman chamomile—massage abdomen, helps relieve pain.

Ayurvedic Medicine:

• Boswellia—350 mg three times a day.
• Henbane—has sedative and antispasmodic properties.
• Coriander—has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hollyhock—for bowel irritation.

Chinese Medicine:

Consult a skilled health care practitioner.

Homeopathy:

Take remedy according to symptoms:

• Arsenicum album
• Colocynthis
• Nux vomica
• Pulsatilla

SENSES

Hearing decreases shortly after eating excessively. Try to eat foods in moderate amount if you want to keep your hearing healthy. Otherwise, if you plan to go to concerts and discos after a big meal, then you may be compromising yourself.

One third of human race has a grade of 20/20 vision. Most people nowadays use eye glasses and contact lens making vision much clearer. However, person with perfect vision decreases as they grow old.

Taste can only take place after food has been dissolve by saliva. In order to taste the food, saliva must first dissolve the chemicals from that particular substance. If you think it’s impossible to believe, why don’t you try tasting something while drying off your tongue.

Compared with men, women are born better smellers throughout life. Women can better distinguish smell of vanilla, citrus, coffee and cinnamon. Although it has been known that women are in general better smellers, still 2% of the population have no sense of smell.

Your nose has a powerful ability to recall 50,000 varying scents. While lore of vampires smell is million times more sensitive than humans do. However, that doesn’t signify that the human sense of smell is of no use. Humans can recall different scents and may powerfully store to memories.

Pupil dilation can occur even in whisper. That’s why in the operating room, where surgeons, watchmakers and other surgical members such as nurses, anesthesiologist uphold the rule that it is a must to keep noise to a minimum. Even whisper sounds can be a hindrance in a successful operation making efficient tasks harder to achieve.

Each person has their own unique smell, with exception to identical twins. Most newborn babies can distinguish the smell of their mother, and significant others. However, genetics chiefly affect how each person smell. Another factor includes diet, personal hygiene and environment that create a unique scent for each person.

Sight

Sight or vision is the ability of the brain and eye to detect electromagnetic waves within the visible range (light) which is why people see interpreting the image as “sight.” There is disagreement as to whether this constitutes one, two or three senses. Neuroanatomists generally regard it as two senses, given that different receptors are responsible for the perception of colour (the frequency of photons of light) and brightness (amplitude/intensity – number of photons of light). Some argue[citation needed] that stereopsis, the perception of depth, also constitutes a sense, but it is generally regarded as a cognitive (that is, post-sensory) function of brain to interpret sensory input and to derive new information. The inability to see is called blindness.

Hearing

Hearing or audition is the sense of sound perception. Since sound is vibrations propagating through a medium such as air, the detection of these vibrations, that is the sense of the hearing, is a mechanical sense because these vibrations are mechanically conducted from the eardrum through a series of tiny bones to hair-like fibers in the inner ear which detect mechanical motion of the fibers within a range of about 20 to 20,000 hertz,[4] with substantial variation between individuals. Hearing at high frequencies declines with age. Sound can also be detected as vibrations conducted through the body by tactition. Lower frequencies than that can be heard are detected this way. The inability to hear is called deafness.
 Taste

Taste or gustation is one of the two main “chemical” senses. There are at least four types of tastes that “buds” (receptors) on the tongue detect, and hence there are anatomists who argue[citation needed] that these constitute five or more different senses, given that each receptor conveys information to a slightly different region of the brain[citation needed]. The inability to taste is called ageusia.

The four well-known receptors detect sweet, salt, sour, and bitter, although the receptors for sweet and bitter have not been conclusively identified. A fifth receptor, for a sensation called umami, was first theorised in 1908 and its existence confirmed in 2000[6]. The umami receptor detects the amino acid glutamate, a flavour commonly found in meat and in artificial flavourings such as monosodium glutamate.

Note: that taste is not the same as flavour; flavour includes the smell of a food as well as its taste.
 

Smell

Smell or olfaction is the other “chemical” sense. Unlike taste, there are hundreds of olfactory receptors, each binding to a particular molecular feature. Odor molecules possess a variety of features and thus excite specific receptors more or less strongly. This combination of excitatory signals from different receptors makes up what we perceive as the molecule’s smell. In the brain, olfaction is processed by the olfactory system. Olfactory receptor neurons in the nose differ from most other neurons in that they die and regenerate on a regular basis. The inability to smell is called anosmia. Some neurons in the nose are specialized to detect pheromones.

Touch

Touch, also called tactition or mechanoreception, is a perception resulting from activation of neural receptors, generally in the skin including hair follicles, but also in the tongue, throat, and mucosa. A variety of pressure receptors respond to variations in pressure (firm, brushing, sustained, etc.). The touch sense of itching caused by insect bites or allergies involves special itch-specific neurons in the skin and spinal cord. The loss or impairment of the ability to feel anything touched is called tactile anesthesia. Paresthesia is a sensation of tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin that may result from nerve damage and may be permanent or temporary.