Pg.no. 83
Bilberry:
Scientific Name: Vaccinium mytillus
Common Names: European blueberry, huckleberry, whortleberry
Family: Ericaceae
Part Used: Leaves, fruits
Habitat: Bilberry grows in the warm regions of the Northern Hemisphere
Bilberry has been used for centuries by European healers to treat such things as stomach
cramps, diarrhea and diabetes. Now bilberry is most often used to prevent night blindness. It
seems to be able to strengthen the capillaries and protect them from free radical damage.
This plant contains flavonoids called anthocyanosides. These are a powerful antioxidant. In
the past, bilberry has also been used as a remedy for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and
bruising.
Black Cherry:
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Common Names: Bird cherry, rum cherry
Family: Rosaceae
Part Used: Bark
Habitat: Black Cherry is native to North America
Native Americans used black cherry as a medicinal herb to treat coughs. The bark from the
black cherry tree was often made into a tea or syrup and used to expel worms, heal ulcers
and treat burns. They also used it as a remedy for sore throat, pneumonia and lack of
appetite. Black Cherry bark contains a glycoside called prunasin. This substance quells
spasms in the smooth muscles of the bronchioles, thus reducing the cough reflex.
Black Cohosh:
Scientific Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Common Names: Black snakeroot, macrotys, bugwort, bugbane
Family: Ranunculaceae