Blueberry shoots

Blueberry shoots are young elements of a perennial bushy plant belonging to the lingonberry family. Blueberries are not grown specifically because they can be found in abundance in almost all areas of coniferous and small-leaved forests, both in European and Eurasian countries, and in the tundra and East Siberian regions.

Blueberry shoots are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, but before using the herbal medicine, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

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Indications blueberry shoots

For medicinal purposes, not only the berries of the plant are used, but also the shoots of the Blueberry. They are added to infusions, teas, and alcohol tinctures.

Blueberry shoots have a significant effect on diseases of the digestive system, in conditions of anemia. Due to the presence of organic compounds, it is possible to improve the state of the intestinal microflora. Blueberry shoots are distinguished by the ability to collect toxic substances in the intestine, and the presence of astringents favors the precipitation of protein fractions from the mucous mass, which contributes to the compaction of the upper layer of the intestinal mucosa. The formed protective protein film protects tissues from external mechanical and chemical irritants, which helps to eliminate painful sensations and inflammatory reactions, secretory activity decreases, intestinal motility slows down, the process of absorption of nutrients and assimilation of food is facilitated.

Such properties of blueberry shoots allow it to be used for the treatment of acute and chronic digestive disorders, which occur with signs of diarrhea, the development of rotting and fermentation processes in the intestines, with symptoms of enterocolitis, ulcerative processes, gastritis and duodenitis.

The tanning and bactericidal properties of blueberry shoot preparations have a beneficial effect on the treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa and nasopharynx. These properties are especially relevant in the treatment of such pathologies in pediatrics.

In medical practice, infusion and tea from blueberry shoots are sometimes used for mild cases of diabetes.

In ophthalmology, blueberry shoots are used for myopia, hemeralopathy, diabetic retinopathy, to restore the eye's adaptive mechanisms to dark conditions (night and twilight vision), as well as for degenerative changes in the retina.

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Release form

• Dry plant mass, crushed, in 2 g bags (10 or 20 pieces) for one-time brewing.
• Cardboard packaging 75g with inner paper lining.
• Packages of 1 kg.

Pharmacodynamics

Blueberry shoots are antidiarrheal plant products. The composition of plant materials is represented by sugary substances, pectin compounds, astringents, rich acid composition (in the form of citric, succinic, lactic, malic and quinic acids), anthocyanin glycoside myrtillin, vitamin complex (C, B, A), trace elements iron and manganese.

Blueberry shoots exhibit pronounced tanning, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, hypoglycemic and hemostatic effects.

Individual components of the plant help restore the main visual pigment – rhodopsin (visual purple), which improves the retina’s sensitivity to various degrees of light radiation and increases visual acuity in low-light conditions.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic properties of Blueberry shoots have not been studied.

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Dosing and administration

To prepare an infusion from Blueberry shoots, take 1 teaspoon of dry plant mass, steam it in a cup of boiling water (200 ml) and let it brew under the lid for at least a quarter of an hour. Then filter the infusion.

For the treatment of acute and chronic forms of digestive system pathologies, the infusion should be taken from 50 to 100 ml up to 6 times a day. The duration of therapy is from 1 to 2 weeks.

For eye pathologies, the infusion is used for a longer period, up to 1 month.

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Use blueberry shoots during pregnancy

The use of Blueberry shoots during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended due to the lack of reliable information about the pharmacokinetic properties of this plant. In order not to harm the developing fetus and the course of pregnancy, as well as not to affect the well-being of the newborn child, it is better to refuse to use medicines prepared on the basis of Blueberry shoots during these periods.

Contraindications

According to many experts, there are not many contraindications to taking products based on Blueberry shoots. However, there are still restrictions:

• children under 14 years of age;
• period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• stones and sand in the kidneys;
• oxaluria;
• difficulty defecating, constipation;
• a tendency to allergic reactions to any of the plant's components.

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Side effects blueberry shoots

Side effects of Blueberry shoots are quite rare. In some cases, allergies to some components of the plant are possible. At the first signs of an allergic reaction, the use of the herbal preparation should be discontinued.

Occasionally, stool delays and oxaluria may be observed.

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Overdose

Abuse of preparations from Blueberry shoots, as well as long-term and constant use of such products can lead to deterioration of the general condition, weakening of intestinal motility, hypokinetic dyskinesia of the bile ducts, duodenostasis. It is possible to increase the side effects of herbal preparations.

Interactions with other drugs

There is no data on the drug interaction of Blueberry shoots with other drugs. When taking other drugs at the same time as herbal preparations based on Blueberry shoots, it is advisable to consult a medical specialist.

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Storage conditions

Blueberry shoots will not lose their healing properties if the packages with dried raw materials are kept dry and dark. Optimum temperature indicators for preserving the herbal remedy are +18-20°C.

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Shelf life

Shelf life: up to 2 years.

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