Types of Blueberry in Herbal Medicine

The main types of blueberry used in herbal medicine are the black bilberry, the cranberry and the giant American blueberry. Here are their characteristics, properties and uses:

Black bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.): It is a small shrub 20 to 50 cm tall that grows in the woods of mountain and sub-mountain areas, very common in the Alps and Apennines in Italy.

It produces small purple berries rich in anthocyanosides, flavonoids, vitamin C and tannins.

These berries have important beneficial properties for the well-being of the body, used both in the culinary and health fields. Black bilberry leaves are used internally for the treatment of gastrointestinal, renal and urinary tract disorders, arthritis, gout and dermatitis.

Externally, blueberry leaves are used to treat inflammation of the oral mucosa, eye inflammation, skin disorders and sunburn.

Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.): This blueberry is a small shrub that grows in woods and undergrowth, characterized by bright red fruits. The most important preparation of cranberry in herbal medicine is the hydroglyceroalcoholic solution, also called gemmoderivative, obtained by macerating the young shoots in water, alcohol and glycerin.

This product is considered a valid natural remedy to promote intestinal well-being, acting as a stimulant and tonic in case of intestinal inertia, and as a sedative and antispasmodic in case of spasm and hypertonia. Cranberry leaves contain phenolic glucosides, which have a purifying action on the urinary tract, proving useful for the well-being of the urinary system.

American Giant Blueberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton): Also known as cranberry, it is a small evergreen shrub native to North America, particularly Canada, where it grows in humid and marshy environments such as river and stream banks.

The fruits of this blueberry are used to make juices, creams and cosmetics. In herbal medicine, cranberry juice is particularly appreciated for its purifying properties and benefits for the urinary tract, being used as a remedy against cystitis and other urinary disorders.

Share the article on your favorite social network