Aloe (also called aloe vera) is a flowering succulent plant native to Africa. Its thick, fleshy leaves contain a gel that is used medicinally, while the green, more fibrous part that surrounds the aloe vera gel is the source of aloe latex, which is principally used as a laxative. Aloe vera has a 6,000-year history of use – it was known in ancient Egypt as the “plant of immortality,” and depicted on stone carvings and given as burial gifts to pharaohs. Aloe vera used then, as it is today, for medicinal purposes. Aloe vera gel is widely used in skin products such as moisturizing lotion and sun block, and is a natural food flavoring.

Aloe vera is used for:

Aloe vera can be used topically or orally. When taken orally, aloe soothes the gastrointestinal tract. One study found aloe vera gel to be beneficial for those with ulcerative colitis. A review of studies also found aloe vera gel to be helpful when used as a mouthwash to prevent oral mucositis (mouth ulcers) in people undergoing cancer treatment. When used topically, as a gel from the leaves, aloe is an effective, natural treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including burns, abrasions, cold sores, psoriasis, sunburn and frostbite. Three studies have shown that aloe vera gel has some beneficial effect as a topical treatment for mild psoriasis. While widely thought to promote the healing of wounds, studies of this therapeutic use have yielded mixed results.

Available in:

Aloe vera is available in whole living plants, gel, lotions and aloe vera juices.

Herb / drug interactions:

Aloe latex should not be taken with other stimulant laxatives, medications and herbs to decrease blood sugar or decrease clotting of the blood, or water pills or herbs that can affect potassium levels.

Other safety concerns:

Aloe latex taken orally may be unsafe in high doses, and should be avoided. Women who are pregnant should avoid taking aloe latex orally, as it may raise the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. People with hemorrhoids or kidney problems should not take aloe latex. Because aloe may affect blood sugar levels, people scheduled for surgery should not take aloe for at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date.

When buying:

Look for fresh aloe plants, aloe vera juices or aloe vera gels that contain only the inner fillet of aloe and say on the label that it is anthraquinone or aloin (laxative) free, and lotions with the highest percentage of aloe gel.

Dosage:

For internal use of aloe gel, 30 ml three times a day. Topically, apply the fresh gel as needed.

Child dosage:

Children should follow directions on manufacturer’s label or as instructed by health care provider for internal use. Topically, aloe vera is safe to apply to mild burns and abrasions.

Dr. Weil says:

Aloe is so useful for burns that I encourage everyone to keep a potted aloe vera plant in the kitchen (or just outside the kitchen door – here in Arizona, it grows profusely outdoors with little or no irrigation). There are many species, but aloe vera is the “true” aloe, and has the best effect. Keep the plant in good light and in a pot with good drainage. To use the fresh plant, simply cut off a lower leaf near the central stalk, remove the spines along the edge, and split the leaf lengthwise. Then rub the exposed, gel-containing interior on the skin, and continue rubbing until the residue is mostly absorbed.

If you want to use aloe vera juice – whether to help heal ulcers or another GI tract irritation – avoid products that contain aloin (the laxative part of aloe).

Reviewed by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., April 24th, 2014.

SOURCES: 
Aloe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer version. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, updated June 6, 2013, accessed March 13, 2014 at http://naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?rn=4&cs=NONMP&s=NDC&pt=100&id=607&fs=NDC&searchid=45584529

Aloe Vera, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Last updated April 2012, accessed March 13, 2014 at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera

Langmead L, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004 Apr 1;19(7):739-47.

Worthington HV, Clarkson JE, Bryan G, et al. Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Apr 13;(4):CD000978.

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Arnica comes from several species of the daisy-like genus Arnica, native to high mountains of western North America.

Used for:

Tincture of arnica is an external remedy for bruises, sprains, and sore muscles and joints. It is made by crushing whole plants and soaking them in alcohol.

Available in:

Tincture, homeopathic ointment, cream, salve and pills

Herb / drug interactions:

Some people are sensitive to the compound helenalin found in arnica. If you develop a mild rash, then you are probably helenalin-sensitive and should stop using arnica.

Other safety concerns:

Arnica is toxic if it gets inside the body. Never apply arnica in any form on broken skin or on an open wound. Never take arnica internally unless it’s in the form of homeopathic pills that contain too little arnica to cause harm.

When buying:

Look for pure arnica extract, homeopathic pills with 30x dilution, or topical applications. Both the plant and tincture have a characteristic, pleasant smell. You can buy tincture of arnica in herb stores and some drugstores.

Dosage:

External ointments and tinctures: Rub or massage arnica tincture freely onto injured area, only if skin isn’t broken. Arnica compresses: Mix 1 tablespoon of arnica tincture in 1 pint of purified water. Dip a gauze pad in the mixture, then put it on the arthritic joint or bruised area.
Homeopathic arnica pills: Pour 4 pills into the cap of the bottle, them toss them into your mouth, under the tongue. (Never handle homeopathic pills, in order to preserve their energetic qualities.) The pills can be taken every two hours for the first 24 hours after the injury, but not within a half-hour of eating. Use the 30x dilution as a first aid treatment for minor injury and prior to dental work to reduce bruising.

Child dosage:

Half the adult dose

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Ashwagandha is a tonic herb with a variety of therapeutic uses. It is especially prized in the Ayurvedic herbal tradition and is commonly known as Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry. Ashwagandha a perennial herb native to Southern Asia and is cultivated in the drier regions of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India. It features small, green flowers and fruit that is orange to red when ripe. A member of the Solanaceae family, or nightshade family, ashwagandha is related botanically to potatoes, pepper, and tomatoes.

Ashwagandha Is Used For:

Each part of the ashwagandha plant – the roots, leaves, and fruit – has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of treatments. The leaves and fruit are applied externally to the skin to treat wounds, tumors, back pain, and carbuncles (cluster of boils). The tuberous ashwagandha root is most often used orally to help improve brain function and alertness, relieve stress and anxiety, and reduce pain and swelling. Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, a substance that enhances the body’s adaptive response to stress and balances normal body functions.

Animal studies have found constituents of the herb, including alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins, to reduce inflammation and calm the nervous system. In one clinical trial of people with moderate to severe anxiety, researchers compared the effects of a mixture of 300 mg standardized to 1.5% withanolides, prepared from root, to psychotherapy. After the eight-week trial, the group that received the ashwagandha mixture had decreased anxiety and fatigue and increased concentration, compared to those who had psychotherapy.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database found insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of ashwagandha for a variety of conditions including tumors, tuberculosis, liver problems, fibromyalgia, and infertility.

Ashwagandha Is Available In:

Ashwagandha is available in extract form in capsules as well as tea and powdered form.

Side Effects, Interactions And Warnings:

Ashwagandha may increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Ativan, Xanax, and other depressants. It may also interact immunosuppressant medications. Talk with your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen that includes ashwagandha.

Other Safety Concerns:

Pregnant women should avoid ashwagandha as it may affect hormone levels in the body, which could endanger a pregnancy. In animal studies, high dosages have been linked to toxicity, including impacts on thyroid function; however, human studies are limited.

When Buying Ashwagandha:

The supplements or tea should be packaged in light-resistant containers.

Ashwagandha Dosage:

Dr. Weil recommends 500 mg of an extract standardized to 2.5-5% with anolides. Ashwagandha dosage depends on several factors including your age and health history. Follow the dosage recommendations on the product.

Child Dosage:

Ashwagandha is not recommended for children.

Dr. Weil Says:

I recommend ashwagandha – along with other measures – for the treatment of insomnia when stress is a contributing factor. If this is an issue for you, try to stick to a routine at bedtime – go to bed at the same time every day, avoid caffeine and get plenty of exercise during the day. A dark room free of noise may also help. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. I also recommend ashwagandha as a natural way to fight fatigue and boost energy levels, as well as a treatment for pain, skin diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy.

SOURCES:
al-Hindawi MK, al-Khafaji SH, Abdul-Nabi MH. Anti–granuloma activity of Iraqi Withania somnifera. J Ethnopharmacol. Sep 1992;37(2):113-116.

Anwer T, Sharma M, Pillai KK, et al. Effect of Withania somnifera on insulin sensitivity in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus rats. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. Jun 2008;102(6):498-503.

Ashwagandha. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, Updated June 30, 2011, accessed January 8, 2014, at naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/

ConsumerLab – consumerlab.com/tnp.asp?chunkiid=21532#ref5 – accessed 6-19-2016

Cooley, Kieran, Orest Szczurko, Dan Perri, Edward J. Mills, Bob Bernhardt, Qi Zhou, and Dugald Seely. “Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974.” PloS one 4, no. 8 (2009): e6628.

Jayaprakasam B, Zhang Y, Seeram NP, et al. Growth inhibition of human tumor cell lines by withanolides from Withania somnifera leaves. Life Sci. Nov 21 2003;74(1):125-132.

Mishra, Lakshmi-Chandra, Betsy B. Singh, and Simon Dagenais. “Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.” Alternative Medicine Review 5, no. 4 (2000): 334-346.

Panda S, Kar A. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwagandha root extract to adult male mice. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology 50, no. 9 (1998):1065-1068.

Reviewed by Russell Greenfield, M.D., August, 2016.

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Astragalus comes from the root of a perennial plant plant in the pea family that grows in the northern and eastern parts of China as well as in Mongolia and Korea. The root is usually harvested from four-year-old plants. Astragalus is the source of a popular medicine called huang qi available in any drugstore in China for use against colds, flus and other respiratory infections.

Astragalus is called an adaptogen, meaning it helps protect the body from physical, mental, or emotional stress.

Used for:

Astragalus is still widely used in China for treatment of chronic hepatitis and as an adjunctive therapy for cancer and as a folk or traditional remedy for heart disease. Astragalus has also been promoted for stimulation of the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory, and urinary system, to help treat arthritis, asthma, and nervous conditions and to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

Scientific evidence for using astragalus for any health condition is limited – few human studies have been conducted. However, some preliminary scientific evidence suggests that astragalus, either alone or in combination with other herbs, may benefit the immune system, heart, and liver, and be useful as treatment for cancer when added to conventional methods. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is sponsoring studies of the effects of astragalus on the body, particularly on the immune system.

A review from the Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database (NMCD) concluded that some evidence suggests that taking astragalus long-term might help prevent colds and taking it for up to six weeks may relieve seasonal allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. The review also held that given intravenously astragalus might benefit patients with chronic hepatitis and that some early evidence suggests that used in combination with glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) astragalus might increase survival in people who are also receiving conventional treatment for breast cancer. In addition, the review found that astragalus might improve the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the review concluded that there is not enough evidence to rate the effectiveness of astragalus for treatment of chest pain, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, HIV/AIDS, fibromyalgia and cervical cancer.

Available in:

Tincture, capsule and tablets, whole dried slices of root (can be added to soups).

Herb / drug interactions:

Astragalus may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs including cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) taken by cancer patients and similar drugs used by organ transplant recipients. Other drugs that suppress the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Astragalus can increase urination and, as a result, might affect the elimination of the drug lithium allowing it to build up in the body leading to serious side effects.  Astragalus may also affect blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

There are no known interactions between astragalus and other herbs or supplements.

Other safety concerns:

Astragalus is considered safe for most adults although its side effects are not known. However, the NMCD review concluded that doses greater than 28 grams might limit the activity of the immune system and advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid it since not much is known about the effects of astragalus during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Also, since taking astragalus might make the immune system more active in individuals with auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the review suggested that individuals with these conditions avoid it.

When buying:

Slices of dried astragalus root are sold at Chinese groceries and some health food stores. Simmer slices of the root in tea or soups (they’ll add a pleasant sweet taste). Astragalus is also available as extracts in liquid, capsule or tablet form and is sold in tea bags.

Dosage:

Follow dosage directions on product labels. The appropriate dose depends on such factors as the user’s age and health. The recommended dose for a standardized extract is 250 – 500 mg, three to four times a day standardized to 0.4% 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isoflavone 7-sug. When making tea, boil three to six grams of dried root per 12 ounces of water three times a day. You can get a tincture of astragalus in 30 percent ethanol. The recommended dose is 20 to 60 drops three times a day.

Child dosage:

No dosage has been established for children. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that children with a fever should not take astragalus because it may increase the fever and result in it lasting longer.

Dr. Weil says:

This is one of my favorite immune-boosting tonics. I recommend taking astragalus preventively through the flu season for its anti-viral effects – of my favorite ways to take it is as astragalus iced tea. This herb is nontoxic and can be used long-term to increase resistance.

Sources:
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Consumer Edition, “Astragalus”, last reviewed on December 17, 2012, accessed January 13, 2014 http://naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=NONMP&s=NDC&pt=100&id=963&fs=NDC&searchid=44635799
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Astragalus”, last updated, april 2012. Accessed January 13, 2014, nccam.nih.gov/health/astragalus

Reviewed by Brian Becker, M.D., February 2015.

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Bacopa is a genus of as many as 100 aquatic plant species that are found throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The species Bacopa monnieri is a perennial, creeping, aquatic herb originally from the wetlands of southern India, Australia, and South America. Its therapeutic importance is indicated by the fact that in Ayurveda, the Indian traditional healing system, bacopa is also known as “Brahmi,” after Brahma, the creator-God of the Hindu pantheon. The leaves are succulent and the flowers are small and white. The herb grows vigorously even in slightly brackish water, and is a popular aquarium plant.

Used for:

Bacopa is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for neurological and cognitive improvement. Indian texts dating back to the 6th century describe bacopa as sharpening intellect and reducing mental deficits. Bacopa has also been used to treat epilepsy and asthma as well as ulcers, indigestion, inflammation, and anemia.

After reviewing the scientific evidence, the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) concluded that bacopa is “possibly effective” for aiding in learning and memory improvement. The review also found bacopa to be “possibly ineffective” for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The NMCD found insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for treating asthma, backache, mental illness, rheumatism, fluid retention, and epilepsy.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2001 found that subjects who took bacopa had significant improvement in memory, particularly in new information retention. Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2013 found study participants who ingested an extract of bacopa (either 320 mg or 640 mg) exhibited improved cognition and mood, as well as lower levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. While suggestive, the authors concluded more studies are needed to support the claims of effectiveness for improved mood and cognition.

Available in:

Bacopa is available in standardized liquid extract or encapsulated powder. Generally, high-quality bacopa will be certified as organic by a reputable third party organization and packaged in light-resistant containers.

Herb / drug interactions:

Bacopa may negatively interact with drying (anticholinergic) medications used for allergies and depression. It may also negatively impact the effectiveness of medications for Alzheimer’s disease (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) as well as medications used for glaucoma.

Other safety concerns:

None known.

When buying:

Look for high-quality supplements certified as organic by a reputable third party and packaged in light-resistant containers.

Dosage:

For memory and cognition, 300 mg of bacopa extract per day for 12 weeks was found to be safe and effective. Used as recommended, bacopa is generally considered safe. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, and fatigue.

Child dosage:

There are no standard recommendations for children.

Dr. Weil says:

Bacopa is now being widely promoted as a treatment for memory problems. It appears to have some efficacy in that regard, but it probably would not be my first choice. Other herbal and nutrient-based therapies including Ginkgo biloba, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), and phosphatidyl serine (PS) have been studied more thoroughly than bacopa. Of course, the best intervention to maintain cognitive function and memory are the ones that keep mind and body active. Get at least 30 minutes of some form of gentle aerobic exercise such as brisk walking at least five times per week and remain mentally engaged with challenges you find appealing, such as reading newspapers and books, doing crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, participating in ongoing education and learning a new language.

Reviewed by Jeff Gladd, M.D., July 2014

SOURCES:

Bacopa. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer version. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, accessed July 16, 2014 at http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=&s=ND&pt=100&id=761&fs=ND&searchid=47421122

Benson, Sarah, Luke A. Downey, Con Stough, Mark Wetherell, Andrea Zangara, and Andrew Scholey. “An Acute, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Cross‐over Study of 320 mg and 640 mg Doses of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on Multitasking Stress Reactivity and Mood.” Phytotherapy Research 28, no. 4 (2014): 551-559.

Calabrese, Carlo, William L. Gregory, Michael Leo, Dale Kraemer, Kerry Bone, and Barry Oken. “Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 14, no. 6 (2008): 707-713.

Roodenrys, Steven, Dianne Booth, Sonia Bulzomi, Andrew Phipps, Caroline Micallef, and Jaclyn Smoker. “Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory.” Neuropsychopharmacology 27, no. 2 (2001): 279-281.

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Basil is native to India, Asia and Africa, but today is cultivated around the world, particularly in hot, dry climates. A member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family, basil is a hardy annual. The name “basil” comes from a Greek word, basilikohn, which means “royal” – a nod to its revered status in this ancient culture. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

Used for:

Basil has been used both internally and topically to treat a variety of health concerns including stomach spasms, colds and fever, insect bites, and respiratory infections. The essential oil of basil can be used in aromatherapy as both a stimulant and an antidepressant. Adding basil to an anti-inflammatory diet can further enhance its health benefits, as it contains antioxidant flavonoids that protect cells from damage, as well as volatile oils with antimicrobial properties.

Basil has antioxidant flavonoids that help protect the body on a cellular level, and volatile oils that are effective antimicrobial agents. A study in the Journal of Microbiology Methodsreported that the essential oil of basil inhibited strains of widespread and difficult-to-treat bacteria including Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas. Another study published in Food Microbiology reported that produce washed in a one percent solution of basil (or thyme) resulted in lower numbers of Shigella, an infectious bacterium that causes diarrhea. Integrating basil into an anti-inflammatory diet could amplify these health-promoting effects.

Basil also has potent anti-inflammatory effects: its volatile oils contain eugenol, a substance that has been shown to block cyclooxygenase (COX) – the same enzyme that is inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen. Consequently, basil may have therapeutic uses for conditions similar to the conditions addressed by these synthetic medications, although more research is needed to establish effectiveness.

Nutritionally, basil is a very good source of vitamin A, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Available in:

Basil is widely used in culinary dishes, particularly those from the Mediterranean regions.

Herb / drug interactions:

Basil appears to have minimal potential for adverse reactions with other herbs or drugs.

Other safety concerns:

Basil may have blood-sugar-lowering effects; people with diabetes, obesity or metabolic syndrome should consult their physician before taking it in medicinal amounts. Basil also contains estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of liver cancer. But a position paper by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products concluded that rodent studies indicate “approximately 100-1000 times” higher exposures were required to stimulate carcinogenic activity than human beings would typically encounter.

When buying:

You can purchase fresh or dried basil leaves in most grocery stores. Look for organically grown. Basil is also easy to grow in garden plots or containers.

Dosage:

Aside from adding to foods, basil is often consumed as an infusion. Steep one teaspoon of dried leaves in one cup water for five to 10 minutes. Strain. Drink one to two cups per day, as desired.

Child dosage:

Basil seems to be safe for children in amounts typically encountered in foods and teas.

Dr. Weil says:

Basil is a staple in my garden, kitchen and restaurants for its fresh flavor and as a source of vitamin A, magnesium and potassium. Since a wash of one-percent essential basil oil effectively eliminates bacteria on fruits and vegetables, keep some handy in your kitchen for environmentally friendly sanitation.

SOURCES:
Basil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer version. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty, Updated December 21, 2012, accessed January 15, 2014 at http://naturaldatabaseconsumer.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=NONMP&s=NDC&pt=100&id=303&fs=NDC&searchid=44713898

Traditional Uses of Sweet Basil. Natural Standard. Updated January, 2011, accessed January 15, 2014 at http://www.naturalstandard.com/news/news201101044.asp

Antioxidant Activity of Sweet Basil. Natural Standard. Updated April 2007, accessed January 15, 2014 at http://www.naturalstandard.com/news/news200704025.asp

Bozin B, Mimica-Dukic N, Simin N, Anackov G (March 2006). “Characterization of the volatile composition of essential oils of some lamiaceae spices and the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the entire oils”.J. Agric. Food Chem. 54 (5): 1822–8.

Chiang LC, Ng LT, Cheng PW, Chiang W, Lin CC (October 2005). “Antiviral activities of extracts and selected pure constituents of Ocimum basilicum”. Clin. Exp. Pharmacol. Physiol. 32 (10): 811–6.

EMEA (3 March 2004). “Position Paper on the use of HMP containing estragole” (PDF).

Reviewed by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., February 18, 2014.

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Bilberry is a botanical relative of the blueberry and cranberry. It is a shrub with leathery leaves. The name bilberry is actually derived from the Danish ‘bollebar,’ which means dark berry in reference to the typically dark-blue fruit. Bilberries were commonly used to make jams and pies and were also used medicinally for conditions ranging from diarrhea to varicose veins. The roots were used as a gargle for sore throat and mouth sores, while the leaves were used for minor urinary infections.  Bilberries contain antioxidant plant pigments called anthocyanosides, which are believed responsible for their health benefits.

Used for:

Bilberry, both fruit and leaves, has long been a folk or traditional remedy for a wide range of disorders. These include diarrhea, menstrual cramps, eye problems, varicose veins, and circulatory conditions including venous insufficiency (a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow from leg veins back to the heart). In Europe, bilberry extracts are used to treat venous insufficiency. While improvements have been reported, well-designed studies are lacking.

Bilberry has also been used as a treatment for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) purpose. Some studies have indicated that the anthocyanosides in bilberries can strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but more research is needed.
Bilberry has also been used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, hemorrhoids, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease and urinary tract infections.

• Diabetes: Bilberry leaves have long been used in traditional medicine to control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, and we now know that all types of berries can help lower blood sugar levels after consuming meals high in sugar. Research has shown that bilberries may be particularly helpful in controlling blood sugar levels when eaten with oatmeal.
• Vision problems: The anthocyanosides in bilberries may help protect the retina, and for that reason bilberry has been suggested as a treatment for retinal damage (retinopathy). Bilberry may also protect against macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, but has not been studied as a treatment for these eye disorders.
• Diarrhea: Bilberry’s anti-inflammatory effects may help control diarrhea by reducing intestinal inflammation (although efficacy has not been established).

Available In:

Bilberry leaves and fruit can be used to make teas and are also made into extracts. Bilberry extracts and capsules should be standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanins.

Herb /drug interactions:

Using bilberry leaves when you are taking medications for diabetes might cause a rapid, excessive reduction in blood sugar. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar carefully. Because the anthocyanosides in bilberries may affect blood clotting, it is best to avoid them if you’re on blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, to minimize the risk of bleeding.

Other safety concerns:

Bilberries are safe when consumed as food, and at recommended dosages, the extract is considered safe for short-term use. However, the safety and side effects of long-term use of bilberry extract haven’t been established. Tannins present in bilberries may lead to severe weight loss, muscle spasms, and even death if large amounts of concentrated extracts are used long-term. The safety of bilberry during pregnancy and breast-feeding isn’t known, so it is best to avoid use at these times. Because bilberry can affect blood glucose levels, which could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery, it is best to stop taking bilberry two weeks before scheduled surgery.

When buying:

Look for standardized bilberry extracts that specify flavonoid content.

Dosage:

To treat eyestrain, use 25 to 50 mg of bilberry extract. The effects are most noticeable in the first four hours but wear off in 24 hours. For other uses, take 80-120 mg twice a day of standardized bilberry extract (with 25 percent anthocyanins).  For diarrhea, use five to 10 grams of crushed dried bilberries in two-thirds of a cup of cold water, boil for 10 minutes and then strain. Don’t use this remedy for more than four days. For circulatory problems, the dosage is 80 to 480 mg of bilberry extract in capsule form.

Child Dosage:

Under medical supervision, crushed dried bilberries can be used to treat diarrhea in children age two and older.

Dr Weil says:

I recommend bilberry extract for treating eyestrain. The effects are most noticeable in the first four hours after taking a 25 to 50 mg dose of the extract, but they wear off within 24 hours. Bilberry extract contains potent antioxidants that may help reduce or eliminate bruising by stabilizing collagen, increasing intracellular vitamin C levels and strengthening capillaries.

SOURCES:

Accessedat www.Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Natural Standard Database Website. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on March 5, 2014

Bilberry. University of Maryland Medical Center, University of Maryland Medical System, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore,  MD 21201. Updated  December 28, 2012, accessed January 7, 2014. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/bilberry, accessed March 11, 2014.

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/bilberry

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/bilberry

Reviewed by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., March 18, 2014.

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