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Blueberries: properties, uses and possible risks

Blueberries are a perennial plant belonging to the heather family. Its fruits and leaves have valuable properties and are widely used in folk medicine. Despite this, there are some possible risks associated with eating blueberries that are worth being aware of.

Botanical description and chemical composition

Blueberries have a long rhizome and woody stems that reach a height of up to 50 cm and turn the plant into a shrub. The stems bear hard leaves with clearly visible pinnate veins, as well as white or reddish flowers, from which blue berries with a white coating develop. Blueberries are found in moist forests, shrubs, swamps and coniferous forests with marshy soil.

Blueberries contain organic acids, minerals, tannins, vitamins (especially vitamin C), glycoside and arbutin. The arbutin content in the leaves is higher than in the fruits. Arbutin has a diuretic and disinfectant effect, so blueberry leaves can be used to treat bladder diseases.

Use in folk medicine

Blueberries have a healing effect similar to that of blueberries, lingonberries and bearberry. Blueberry leaves and dried berries are used in folk medicine in the form of tea for diarrhea and bladder diseases. The chemical composition of blueberries makes them useful for strengthening the immune system and preventing colds.

Collection and preparation

Blueberry leaves are removed during flowering and quickly dried in the shade or under artificial heating. The fruits are collected when they reach ripeness and are also dried under artificial heating or in the sun.

Possible risks

Although blueberries have valuable properties, there are some possible risks associated with their consumption. Some people may experience subjective negative effects after consuming blueberries, such as nausea, vomiting and headaches. It is currently unknown whether blueberries are poisonous or not, but it is possible that eating them in large quantities can cause intoxication.

In addition, when picking blueberries, there may be a risk of contamination with the essential oils of wild rosemary, which often grows next to blueberries. These oils can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, so when picking blueberries you should be careful and use protective equipment.

It is also worth considering that blueberries can cause allergic reactions in people prone to allergies to berries and fruits. Therefore, before eating blueberries, you should make sure that you are not allergic to them.

Overall, blueberries have valuable properties and can provide health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, before using blueberries for medicinal purposes, you should consult your doctor and make sure there are no contraindications or possible risks.