BASIC INFORMATION

Biological name (genus and species):
Vaccinum spp
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Stems
Chemicals this herb contains:
Fatty acids (See Glossary)
Hydroquinone
Loeanolic acid
Neomyrtillin
Tannins (See Glossary)
Ursolic acid

KNOWN EFFECTS

Decreases blood sugar. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats diarrhea. Treats gastroenteritis. Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Treats and prevents scurvy.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don’t take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn’t improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don’t use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don’t use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don’t freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no “safe” dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

None expected