Chemical composition
.Blueberries contain tannins, pectins, sugars, glycosides mirtillin and neomirtillin, malic, citric, oxalic and ascorbic acids, as well as vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, carotene and substances of the P-vitamin group.
Of the trace elements, blueberries are particularly rich in zinc, iron and manganese.
But the great thing is that blueberries, as well as cranberries, are a source of anthocyanins, the strongest of all natural antioxidants.
Among other berry and fruit plants, blueberries stand out for their high content of nicotinic acid (2.1 mg per 100 g).
Blueberries are also rich in flavonoids, particularly rutin, quercetin, hyperin, isoquercitin and astralgin.
Of the phenolic acids, cinnamic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids have been found in blueberries.
Bilberry leaves contain glycosides, tannins, vitamin C, arbutin, quercetin, essential oil, ceryl alcohol, phytoncides, many flavonoids, triterpene acids, phenol acids and saponins.
Blueberry seeds have fatty oils and protein substances.
Use in folk medicine
Blueberries have been used as a medicinal remedy since the Middle Ages.
For example, a handbook dating from 1098-1179 describes blueberries as a potion for regulating the menstrual cycle.
And in the XVI century, it was already recommended as a medicine that helps get rid of kidney stones and normalizes the liver.
In addition, blueberry syrup was used for various lung ailments and coughs.
By the XVIII century, the scope of application of bilberry was significantly expanded and the berry became widely popular among doctors and herbalists in Western Europe.
Blueberry preparations were prescribed for intestinal diseases and stomatitis, diseases of the genitourinary sphere, rheumatism and gout.
By the beginning of the XIX century, tea from dried blueberries was used for dysentery and persistent diarrhea, as well as a diuretic, tonic and refreshing drink.
Bilberry infusion was used for scurvy and to stop bleeding.
Currently, folk medicine recommends bilberry as an astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent for non-infectious diarrhea, enteritis and colitis.
Externally, decoction of blueberries is used for gargles, compresses and lotions for gingivitis, sore throat, burns and stomatitis.
In the last century, the ability of blueberries to favorably affect visual acuity was discovered.
For example, during World War II, British pilots were given blueberries to improve their vision at dusk.
These days, it is also on the menu of astronauts.
In addition, anthocyanins, contained in blueberries and giving them a purple color, have the property of preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
They also contribute to the rejuvenation of the body.
Bilberry leaves have been used since ancient times as a substitute for tea.
Of the medicinal properties of the leaves of the plant note tonic, astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Studies in this area have shown that blueberry leaves have a mild sugar-lowering effect and as part of herbal collections can be included in the complex therapy for type II diabetes mellitus.
This property of blueberry leaves owes to the substance glucoquinine, which helps normalize sugar levels in diabetics.
In addition, recent findings by scientists in Germany have shown that blueberry leaves are a promising medicine that could be used in the treatment of gout and rheumatism.
