Bilberry Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Vaccinium Myrtilus)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Bilberry Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Vaccinium Myrtilus) HERB COMMON NAME :  Bilberry HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Vaccinium Myrtillus OTHER NAMES :  Huckleberry, Whortleberry, Hurtleberry FAMILY :  Ericaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Venus, Jupiter Day: Monday Direction: West Zodiac Sign: Aquarius Chakra: 2nd Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) Energy: Yin Gender: Feminine Tarot: the High Priestess Tarot, the Fool Tarot Spirit Animal: eagle, hawk, peregrine falcon, vulture, shark Sabbat or Holiday: Ostara / the Spring Equinox (btw. March 19-23) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Theia, Hyperion, Argos, Helios, Prometheus, Sahashrakshi, Qianliyan, Morpheus, Titania, Niorun, Frigg, Horus, Ra, Sol, Athena, Minerva, Coeus, Mimir   Parts Used:  Berries, Leaves Description:  Bilberry is the ancestor of several other North American berry-producing shrubs, namely blueberry.  The dark purple fruits are eaten raw and whole, and are used the same way as other edible berries to make jams, jellies, pies and other sweet treats. The fruit has been used for its high nutritional value. The leaf is used to make tea, often in combination with other botanicals.  CAUTION : Bilberry leaves are not to be used for lengths longer than 3 weeks at a time, as it can cause symptoms of poisoning. Bilberry fruit supports good vision and prevents problems with vision.  Bilberry may also help with cataracts and allow vision to be more vibrant and brilliant. It is also indicated in retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and night-blindness. It has been used for the prevention and treatment of glaucoma. In addition to helping eyesight, Bilberry fruit is also used for problems with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), bruising, and hemorrhoids. The antioxidant effects make Bilberry fruit also useful in gout and rheumatoid arthritis. It is useful for venous insufficiency (especially in the legs), varicose veins, and capillary fragility. Bilberry fruit is thought to be full of antioxidants that help to fight the effects of environmental pollution that can cause people to age at a faster rate. Bilberry fruit is a good for problems with an upset stomach and diarrhea.  For diarrhea, it is important to use dried berries eaten by themselves with a glass of water.  Fresh berries can actually worsen diarrhea rather than making it better. Bilberry fruit has also been used for problems with inflammation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Bilberry fruits have been used to help scurvy and urinary complaints (including infection and stones). Dried berries have been used primarily for their astringent qualities to help diarrhea and dysentery. Decoctions of Bilberry leaves have been used help diabetes. Historical Uses:  vision, cataracts, retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, night-blindness, glaucoma, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, mouth inflammation, throat inflammation, upset stomach, stomach inflammation, diarrhea (dried berries with water), constipation (fresh berries with water), dysentery, Raynaud’s disease, varicose veins, venous insufficiency in the legs, hemorrhoids, weight loss, anti-aging, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), bruising, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, scurvy, anti-microbial, urinary tract infection (UTI), capillary fragility, astringent, diuretic, antioxidant, anti-edematous, vaso-protector, anti-platelet, anti-emetic Mystical Attributes:  The leaves bring luck when placed in sachets and carried. They also keep away evil and break hexes and curses. To manifest your dreams into reality, for seven days burn the leaves in your bedroom directly before going to sleep. Burn the leaves for wish-making, or carry them along with other herbs, flowers, crystals, amulets, etc. for the intention of making wishes come true. Bilberry fruits and leaves are used to supplement rituals for visions, foresight, clairvoyance, and divination. Fumigate tools with the smoke of burning leaves. Crush the fresh berries and mix the juice into scrying potions. Mystical Intentions:  luck, protection from evil, curse breaking, hex breaking, protection from curses and hexes, manifesting dreams, dream magic, wish making, boosting magical power, visions, foresight, divination, scrying, clairvoyance, clarity Taste & Smell:  Bilberries taste similar to blueberries, but with a more concentrated flavor and fragrance.  Fresh bilberries taste slightly acidic. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:   Bilberry bushes are small perennial shrubs native to Europe, northern Asia, Greenland, western Canada, and the western United States. It has wiry angular branches, rarely over a foot high. The leaves of the Bilberry bush are leathery, at first rosy, then yellowish-green, then turn red in the autumn. Bilberry bushes bear pink or white wax-like flowers in March and April. The globular fruit of the black bilberry bush is ripe in June and July and is covered when very ripe with a delicate gray cast. The fruits grow solitary (not in bunches) and have flat tops, and are the size of a black currant. Bilberry usually grows in heaths, meadows, and moist coniferous forests.  Its growth is best in moderate shade.  Bilberry grows best in moist soil, but is often found in very acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Sow seeds in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed.  Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification.  Once they are about 5 cm tall, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them outside into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.  May also propagate by cuttings or layering, but both methods are slow and difficult, taking up to 18 months or more. Harvest green leaves and fruit in late summer / early autumn. Use or freeze fruits right away as they damage easily and can spoil.  If not used fresh, fruit can be dried or frozen.  Dry the leaves in a single layer on screens. Store dried leaves (whole or cut) and dried fruit in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Bilberry leaves are not to be used for lengths longer than 3 weeks at a time, as it can cause symptoms of poisoning Caution in hemorrhagic disorders May interact with anti-coagulant medication   Constituents: Flavonoids Anthocyanosides Anthocyanins Tannin Polyphenols (catechin, epicatechin) Nutrients (Vitamin B1, C, beta carotene) Pectin     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use more than recommended by your healthcare professional.  Purchase of this product indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to Spirit Arts & Herbs Terms and Conditions. Many of our products are hand made to order. Once orders are in processing, products are non-cancellable, non-refundable, and not returnable. Shipping times may be up to 3-4 weeks. ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Related