Bilberry (European Blueberry, Whortleberry, Billberry)
Vaccinium myrtillus
Family: Ericaceae
Perennial woody shrub. Native to the heaths and woods of Europe.
The tannin and anthocyanine-rich berries of this plant are both astringent
and anti-bacterial, making them the best treatment on earth for all types
of diarrhea -- strong enough to treat dysentery, mild enough to treat children.
The dried berries are chewed, or made into a decoction or unsweetened juice.
Also used for improving eyesight (especially night vision) and vascular
health. Berries can also be used to dye cloth an indelible bright purple.
Cultivation: Sow these small seeds just under surface of soil in
the spring or summer. Tamp well and keep moist. A thin mulch
will help keep the seeds from drying out. Give partial shade to developing
seedlings. Space plants 4 feet apart. Provide a deep mulch
of rotted sawdust.
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