Blueberries  (American Survival Guide) 

A compliation of information regarding the medicinal and nutritional
properties of the blueberry.


Blueberries (Vaccinium Myrtillus) thrive quickly in acid soil with
plenty of sunshine.  Many Blueberries grow in patches of an acre or
more when so allowed.  The bushes do not have thorns.

Research shows that the American Indians would set fire to surrounding
brush to clear the land for the Blueberry bushes to multiply, a prac-
tice that continues today.

There are 200 species of the Vaccinium family, most of which are found
in the Northern Hemisphere.  More than 35 species are found on the 
North American continent.  All members of the Vaccinium family are
edible.

The active ingredients in Blueberries are its flavonoids, specifically
its anthocyanosides.  Concentrated extracts of Blueberries contain
40% anthocyanosides.  I am going to write more extensively of the
medicinal qualities of the anthocyanosides, but first, I am going to
lead in with something that I was taught in school back in the 60's.
I don't want the reader to be put off or scared by the big word 
"anthocyanoside" so I will start with the grabber.  The grabber for
information about Blueberries will be the antiseptic properties of the
berry and leaf.

Take Blueberries camping with you...the dried Blueberries have been
used primarily for their astringent qualities in the treatment of
diarrhea...as few as five or six of the dried berries can cure diarrhea.

Studies have shown that a decoction of Blueberries will sterilize
cultures of colon bacillus and of Ebert's bacillus in a 24 hour
period.  The latter is the Typhoid bacillus.  Dried blueberries don't
weigh much and are certainly worth carrying in a backpack.  Blueberries
are a natural remedy for persistent diarrhea and acute enteritis
(inflammation of the small intestine) caused by a virus or bacteria,
radiation enteritis caused by Xrays and intestinal fermentation.

Extract of Blueberry (available commercially under the name of 
Bilberry, the "Old English" name for Blueberry) has been found to be
an antiviral in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza
and vaccinia (cowpox) virus.

Extracts of blueberries have also been found to kill or inhibit growth
of funguses, yeasts and bacteria, including Trichomonas vaginalis
(an inflammation of the vagina that can be transmitted to males-causing
itching and discharge in both sexes).

High levels of anthocyanosides (and you won't have to be a chemist or
nutritionist to enjoy this) in the Blueberry are in no particular order
of importance.  I have tried to show many valuable properties of the
Blueberry.

Flavonoids-Anthocyanosides belong to a family called flavonoids.
Although not true vitamins, flavonoids have been given the name of
Vitamin "P".  The P stands for permeability and is responsible for
collagen stabilization in the body.  Collagen is the most abundant
protein in the body, consisting of veins, tendons, ligaments and
cartilage.  Collagen is destroyed during the inflammation of arthritis,
gout, periodontal disease as well as other conditions of inflammation
involving the joints, connective tissues, bones and cartilage.  Flavo-
noids not only aid in prevention of collagen destruction, but also
add to the strength of such tissue.  Blueberries, because of their
high content of flavonoids, actually make the collagen stronger by
adhesion and cross linking with the collagen.  They improve circulation
and feed the capillaries by altering the ability of fluids and
nourishment to pass through, inhibiting free radical damage and
improving the tone of the entire vascular system by strengthening
all of the veins and the arteries.

Blueberries benefit all capillaries, veins and the arteries and by
doing so improve the circulation to the hands, feet, brain and heart.
Blueberries are used to strengthen coronary arteries and varicose veins
and help in reducing arteriosclerosis and plaque deposits.

Studies show that Blueberry should be useful in most inflammatory or
degenerative conditions involving connective tissue (e.g. osteoarthritis,
bursitis, cataracts, tendonitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal
disease, glaucoma and diabetes retinal degeneration.)  The flavonoids
in Blueberries with their potential anti-oxidant and free radical
scavenging action prevent free radical damage.

A decoction of Blueberry leaves has a long history in folk medicine
in the treatment of diabetes.  Such usage has been supported by
research in which oral administration reduced elevated blood sugar
levels-even when glucose was administered simultaneously.

Blueberries are widely used in Europe as an antihemorrhage agent in
treatment of eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy.  Blueberries
prevent eye damage, preserve eyesight and are helpful in treating
myopia (nearsightedness).  Blueberry consumption may offer a great
deal of protection against retinal degeneration (particularly diabetic
retinopathy and diabetic cataracts).  Blueberries may also offer 
significant protection against the development of glaucoma because of
its collagen enhancing actions.

Blueberry protects eyesight by accelerating the production of retinal
purple, a substance that is critical for good vision.  Blueberry jam
was given to Royal Air Force pilots who flew night missions during
World War II.  They reported an increase in the ability to see at
night, quicker adjustment to darkness, faster restoration of sight
after being exposed to glare and improved ability to see in extremely
bright daylight.

In Earl Mindell's book THE HERB BIBLE, he states that "European 
medical journals are filled with studies confirming bilberry's
positive effect on vision.  Unfortunately this herb has not received
the attention it deserves in the American medical community."  In
Europe hundreds of tons of Blueberries are processed annually for
use as an antihemorrhagic agent in treatment of eye and vascular 
diseases.

Blueberries inhibit blood platelets sticking together reducing blood
clots.  Platelet aggregation (sticking together) is associated with
an increased risk of heart attack, phlebitis and stroke.

Included in the effects of the flavonoids, including anthocyanosides,
is their ability to increase the Vitamin C levels in the individual
cells thus increasing the body's auto immune activities.

Blueberries, because of their large percentage of anthocyanosides, 
decrease the permeability of the blood brain barrier, decreasing the
ability of large molecules to pass into the brain.  Increased blood
brain permeability has been linked to auto immune diseases of the 
central nervous system, schizophrenia, cerebral hemorrhage, etc.
The anthocyanosides inhibit destruction of the collagen of brain
capillaries, thus helping to maintain and restore the brain's
protection from pollutants and toxins.

In many experiments and studies, anthocyanoside extracts have been
shown to have beneficial results by their action of muscle relaxation.
This wound be useful to people suffering from many forms of muscular
cramping, including limbs and menstral cramping.

Blueberries have not only been shown to reduce blood sugar levels,
but also to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.  In
animal studies, blueberries is known to to decrease greatly the
development of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis even in cholesterol
loaded animals.  Either of these diseases is considered a large
factor in stroke or angina and a major cause of high blood pressure.

A warm infusion of blueberries is a stimulating astringent for sore 
throats or sores in the mouth (including use after dental work.)

Because of the astringent properties of blueberries, they have been
used to stop hemorrhage and have been used to treat hemorrhoids.

Current research indicates that blueberries may be useful in the
future in treatment and prevention of ulcers.  It is thought that
this is due to the blueberry's empowering of the defensive barriers
of the gastrointestinal mucous.

Blueberries can be purchased in capsule form or extracts, teas, or
natural states.  Lucky are the people who can pick their own.

The best method for preservation is drying.  Place the blueberries
in a food dehydrator, on a screen in a gas oven and use the pilot 
light only for drying, hang them with a needle and thread, or spread
them on screens in the shade.

To make an infusion (tea) of blueberries or blueberry leaves, place
3 t. fresh blueberries or 1 tsp. dried in a non aluminum pan and 
cover with 2 cups of boiling water.  Do not boil the herb itself.
Let steep 15-20 min.

To make a decoction place 2 1/2 c. water in a non aluminum pan and
add 1 tsp. dried or 3 tsp. fresh berries or leaves.  Bring to just
below boiling point and simmer for 10-20 min.

To make a tincture, place leaves or berries in airtight non clear
container.  Cover with alcohol of at least 90 proof (vodka).  Cover 
and place the bottle in a dark cool place.  Shake 2-3 X a day.  Amber
bottles are preferred.  Ready for use 2 wks.  Keeps indefinitely.  Add
to warm or cold water or place on a sugar cube to administer.  Dosage 10-30
drops per dose.  Repeat 8-10 hrs later. 
