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Common Names
Blueberry, Wild Blueberry, Lowbush Blueberry
Latin Name
Vaccinium angustifolium
Habitat
Blueberry is indigenous to North America.
Traditional Uses
Blueberry fruit has been used in traditional European medicine for nearly one thousands years. It has been used as an astringent for treatment of diarrhea and dysentery.
In Italy, it has been used to treat microcirculatory disorders, which include varicose veins, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, and degenerative retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, and glaucoma cataracts. Royal Air force Pilots who flew night-time missions during World War II were given Blueberries. Native Americans used Blueberry tea and tinctures to treat symptoms of diabetes.
Medicinal Uses
Blueberry is known to have powerful antioxidant properties and is also used in treating visual and circulatory problems. It has a positive effect on night vision and is especially good for people who suffer from night blindness. Blueberry contains anthocyanidins, which are potent antioxidants that protect the eyes from free-radical damage due to exposure to UV light from sun and pollution; it has been used to treat glaucoma and cataracts. Blueberry works by accelerating the regeneration of retinal purple (commonly known as visual purple), a substance required for good eyesight.
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