Monday, November 5, 2012

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.

Hawthorn (Crataagus Monogyna)
This small, thorny shrub produces little white-fleshed fruit in a rich
red coat. Hawthorn berries are a valuable restorative heart and
circulatory tonic. They help to rebuild collagen in the blood vessels,
lower cholesterol and remove accumulated plaque.

Protection For Your Heart
Excellent for complaints associated with circulation, hawthorn is used
to treat chilblains and varicose veins. It is also a valuable herb for
strengthening the heart muscle without causing unwanted side effects,
such as increased blood pressure. Hawthorn also supports the nervous
system, making it a remedy for nervous tension, insomnia and
stress-related disorders.

Jambul (Syzygium Cumini)
This tropical berry of Australasia has powerful carminative and
astringent properties. It is prescribed by herbalists for treating
type-1 diabetes. It lowers blood and urine sugar levels, and reduces the
fatigue and increased urination associated with diabetes. It is reputed
to be hypoglycemic.

Relief and Prevention
Jambul provides soothing relief from indigestion, gas and stomach
cramps. It can also be beneficial for treating epiepsy under medical
supervision.
CAUTION: Refer To Your Doctor Before Taking Jambul For Epilepsy Or
Diabetes.

Juniper (Juniperus Communis)
Juniper is an evergreen shrub that produces blue-black spherical
berries. A flavoring for gin, these berries are a powerful detoxifier.
They are used to treat cystitis caused by bacterial infection. Juniper
promotes the flow of urine, helping to reduce water retention and
preventing the formation of kidney stones. Juniper berries stimulate the
kidneys and adrenals, purifying the blood. By clearing waste from the
body, they help relieve gout. Menstrual flow is promoted by juniper, and
it can be used to strengthen uterine contractions during labor.

Raspberry (Rubus Idaeus)
Succulent, red, hairy berries are produced from a prickly shrub. The
berries are packed with vitamins A, B1 and C, making them a nutritious
summer treat. Juice from the berries makes a pleasant-tasting,
fever-reducing remedy for children's chills. The juice also relieves
cystitis, indigestion and rheumatic aches and pains. The leaves of the
shrub are used to promote labor.

Rose Hips (Rosa Canina)
Rose hips are most valued for their vitamin C content: they contain 60
times more than citrus fruits. They are also rich in bioflavins, which
enhance the body's ability to absorb vitamin C. This vitamin is vital
for sustaining life in all your body cells and helps to protect you from
infections and illnesses, such as colds and flu. The hips' astringent
properties make them a valuable treatment for stomach weakness and
diarrhea.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens)
The dried berries of this native American herb have traditionally been
used as an energy tonic. Their modern application is in treating benign
prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto is effective in reducing pain and
inflamation. It is also used as an urinary antiseptic for the treatment
of cystitis.

Building Body Tissues
Saw palmetto is both nourishing and strengthening. You can use it to aid
recovery in wasting illnesses. It builds body tissue, stimulates the
appetite and combats debility. It is used to treat male impotence, lack
of sex drive and premature ejaculation. It can also help urinary tract
inflammation and soothe painful urination.

Strawberry (Fragaria Vesca)
Succulent strawberries contain a wealth of vitamins - A, B complex, C
and K, as well as folic acid and potassium. Incorporate strawberries
ingo your diet to maintain a healthy heart and immune system. Juice from
the berries makes a cooling drink for chills and is a tonic for the
liver. Use a healing poultice to soothe eczema and other skin conditions
such as mild sunburn.

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Unedo)
The warty, red, berry-like fruits of this Mediterranean tree have
opwerful antiseptic and astringent properties. They are a valuable
remedy for urinary infection, especially cystitis. A gargle of the fruit
juice is helpful in treating throat infections and as a drink it stems
diarrhea.

Antibiotic Properties
Strawberry tree berries are generally used in jam or wine. ALll parts of
the plant contain ethyl gallate, which has strong antibiotic activities
against the Mycobacterium bacteria.
CAUTION: Do Not Take Strawberry Tree Berries If You Are Suffering From
Any Type Of Kidney Disease.

Wu Wei Zi [Schisandra] (Schisandra Chinensis)
The berries from this Chinese vine provide a tonic that rejuvenates the
kidneys, immune and nervous systems, circulation and digestion.
Strengthening to the adrenals and kidneys, wu wei zi is used to treat
hepatitis. Containing more than 30 types of lignans, it protects the
liver against toxins and is usedful in drug and alcohol detox programs.

Emotional Miracle Herb
The adaptogenic qualities of the herb help it balance the nervous
system. It improves mental clarity and reduces irritability and
forgetfulness. It also relieves depression, anxiety and sleep disturbed
by dreams, and is believed to be an aphrodisiac, improving sexual
stamina and restoring male libido.

Yew (Taxus Brevifolia)
This slow growing evergreen tree, found mainly in America, has fleshy
red berries. All parts of the plant are very poisonous, giving rise to
many folk legends and superstitions. The poisonous mature of the tree is
due to alkaloids and diterpenes.

Cancer Treatments
One diterpene found in yew, taxol, has potent anticancer actions. Taxol
from yew is now widely prescribed for the treatment of ovarian and
breast cancer. It is also used in some homeopathy treatments.
CAUTION: Yew Is Not For Home Use. It Must Be Prescribed Only By
Qualified Practitioners In The Treatment Of Cancer.

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