Healing Properties of Wild Berries

~~ Bilberry (Vaccinium Mytillus) ~~

Bilberries are harvested in late summer from the ground-hugging shrub. The berries are antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and nutritive. They are a circulatory tonic for varicose veins, chilblains and hemorrhoids. Bilberry desserts are a laxative for constipation and can treat diarrhea by inhibiting growth of bacteria. Bilberries are also a useful remedy for premenstrual bloating, and they enhance the micro-circulation of the blood in the eye, reducing eye strain, increasing night vision and retarding cataracts.

~~ Blackcurrant (Ribes Nigrum) ~~

Small, shiny black berries hang down after the flowering of the blackcurrant shrub. They are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which increase resistance to infection. Take as a warm cordial to fight winter colds and flu. Blackcurrants also contain proanthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory actions, making them helpful in easing asthma, hay fever and other inflammatory conditions. They have antilaxative properties that ease diarrhea and calm indigestion.

~~ Chinese Wolfberry (Lycium Chinense) ~~

A Chinese blood tonic, also known as gou qi zi, these berries help to nourish the blood by increasing the absorption of nutrients by the blood cells. Chinese wolfberry also improves circulation and stems bleeding. The berries are cleansing to the kidneys and liver and are believed to protect the liver from environmental toxins. The Chinese take the berries to help failing eyesight.

A Vitamin Tonic

Chinese wolfberries are rich in vitamins B1, B12 and C; they contain 500 times more vitamin C than an orange and more betacarotene than carrots. People from the area of Inner Mongolia, to which it is native, are reported to often live past 100 years of age.

~~ Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) ~~

This North American evergreen shrub gives round red berries. Cranberry juice is a classic herbal remedy for cleansing the urinary tract, especially for cystitis and urethritis. It is highly alkaline, helping to rebalance the pH of the urine, flushing out acidic-loving E. Coli bacteria. It also stops recurring infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. Long-term use can prevent kidney stones. Cranberries are a nutritious berry, containing potassium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C.

~~ Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) ~~

Clusters of blue-black berries follow the creamy blossoms of elderflower. They are extremely nutritious, containing vitamins A and C, and viburnic acid, which induces prespiration, helping to sweat out colds and chills. Elderberries' antiviral and anticatarrh properties make them a popular treatment for colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, especially when taken at the beginning of an infection. Elder's anti-inflammatory action treats neuralgia and sciatica. The berries are also detoxifying for skin conditions such as acne.