Introduction:

Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are small, blue berries native to Northern Europe.  They’re often referred to as European blueberries, as they’re very similar in appearance to North American blueberries

Benefits of Bilberries:

Rich in nutrients:

Like most berries, bilberries are a nutrient-rich fruit.  With a nutritional profile resembling that of blueberries, they are commonly known as European blueberries, as they belong to the same plant family as this popular fruit.

Accordingly, bilberries can be expected to offer around 85 calories, 15 grams of naturally-occurring sugar, and 4 grams of fiber per cup (148 grams). Similarly to blueberries, they likely contain around 85% water, as well as good amounts of manganese and vitamins C and K,

Rich in anti-oxidants:

Bilberries contain vitamin C and phenolic acids and are an especially good source of anthocyanins, the powerful flavonoid antioxidant that gives red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables their characteristic color

May improve vision:

 Bilberries improve the vision especially the night vision.  Bilberries may improve the vision in people with glaucoma and reduce eye fatigue and dryness of the eye. 

May reduce inflammation:

Bilberries help fight inflammation due to their anti-oxidant property. 

May lower the blood sugar levels:

Bilberry extracts lower the HbA1c, total and LDL cholesterol levels.  Bilberries stimulate insulin secretion and prevent the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut and thus help in the reduction of blood sugar.

May imrpove the heart function:

Bilberries may benefit the health of your heart. Test-tube research suggests that the specific mix of anthocyanins in bilberries may help lower blood pressure Regular ingestion of bilberries improved platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Other potential benefits:

Bilberries may offer the following additional health benefits:

• May improve brain function. Powdered bilberry supplements are linked to improved long-term and working memory in
  • May kill bacteria. Test-tube studies show that bilberries may have antimicrobial effects against potentially harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • May improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). A study found that daily intake of a bilberry supplement reduced chronic inflammation of the colon and rectum in people).

Conclusion:

Bilberries are small European blueberries that are rich in many nutrients and beneficial compounds.   They’re linked to reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, as well as improved vision and heart health. They may even improve brain function, fight off bacteria, and reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Introduction:

Astragalus is an herb that people have used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some evidence suggests that it has wide-ranging properties and health benefits.

Astragalus membranaceus is the Latin name for the herb astragalus.   Different species of astragalus grow worldwide in places such as Southwestern Asia, the Chinese Himalayan region, the Americas, and Europe.

Other common names for astragalus include:

• Milk vetch
• huáng qi
• Radix astragalus.

Astragalus health benefits:

·         Antioxidant effect

·         Anti viral effects

·         Cardiotonic effects stimulates the heart muscle

·       Astragalus may have pro-aging support.

·         May have potential benefits in cancer

·         May help in regularizing the blood sugars.

·         May help in liver diseases like cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

• May help in chronic kidney failure.
• Supports the immune system.

Possible side effects:

• Rash
• Itching
• Abdominal symptoms
• Nasal symptoms.

Conclusion:

Astragalus is an herb that people use in traditional Chinese medicine. Evidence suggests it may have various health benefits; to protect and support the immune system, preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, lowering blood pressure, treating diabetes, and protecting the liver. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes use it on the skin for wound care.

Introduction:

Burdock root is a vegetable native to Northern Asia and Europe, though it now grows in the United States.  Burdock root has been used for centuries in holistic medicine to treat a variety of different conditions. Traditionally, it’s been most commonly used as a diuretic and a digestive aid.

Burdock root benefits:

Powerhouse of antioxidants

Burdock root has been shown to contain multiple types of powerful antioxidants; including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids    Antioxidants can also help to reduce inflammation. One study found that burdock root reduced inflammatory markers in the blood of patients with osteoarthritis

Purifies the blood:

One of the most common uses for burdock root has been to purify the blood.  Recent evidence has found that burdock root contains active ingredients in its root system that can remove toxins from the bloodstream. Research also found that burdock root effectively detoxified blood and promoted increased circulation in the surface of the skin

Inhibits certain forms of cancer:

Burdock root, as it turns out, may not only purify the blood, but it may also inhibit certain types of cancer.

Aphrodisiac effect:

Another use of burdock root is as an aphrodisiac. In a nonhuman study, it was found that the extract of burdock root had an aphrodisiac effect.

Treats skin conditions:

Burdock root has also long been used to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. The root’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help resolve skin issues.

Forms of preparations:

There are a number of different forms of burdock root available. These include:

• fresh burdock root
• burdock tea
• dried root powder
• burdock oil or burdock extract

Conclusion:

Burdock herb may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.  Burdock root is available in tea form or supplements. Consult and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and those on the supplement’s label.

Introduction:

Aloe vera has been used for centuries and is currently more popular than ever.  It is cultivated worldwide, primarily as a crop for “Aloe gel,” which comes from the leaf.

Aloe vera is widely used today in:

• Food – it is approved by the FDA as a flavoring.
• Cosmetics.
• Food supplements.
• Herbal remedies.

Benefits of Aloe vera:

Teeth and gums

Aloe vera in tooth gels is as effective as toothpaste in fighting cavities.  Aloe latex contains anthraquinones, compounds that actively heal and reduce pain through natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Constipation

It is said to help fight constipation. But more research needs to be done.

Diabetes-induced foot ulcers

Aloe vera promotes significant wound healing and closure and is used in Diabetic foot ulcers.

Antioxidant and possible antimicrobial properties

Aloe vera flower and leaf extracts had antioxidant properties, the leaf skin extract also exhibited anti-mycoplasmic properties.

Protection from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation

Aloe shoot extract and adult Aloe shoot extract might have a protective effect on UVB-induced skin photo aging; in other words, whether they could protect the skin from the aging effects of sunlight.

Wounds from second-degree burns

A team of plastic surgeons compared Aloe vera gel to 1 percent silver sulphadiazine cream for the treatment of second-degree burn wounds and they found excellent results in burn and wound healing.

Conclusion:

Most global health authorities say that many of the dozens of therapeutic benefits associated with Aloe vera require further scientific evidence. This does not mean the claims are necessarily inaccurate.    However, the use of topical Aloe vera is likely to be safe