Huckleberry

Basic Information

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

KNOWN EFFECTS

Decreases blood sugar. Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats diarrhea. Treats gastroenteritis. Treats and prevents scurvy.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are allergic to blueberries or huckleberries.

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:
Pregnant women should experience no problems taking usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. Other products extracted from this herb have not been proved to cause problems.

Breast-feeding:
Breast-fed infants of lactating mothers should experience no problems when mother takes usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. Other products extracted from this herb have not been proved to cause problems.

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

Generally regarded as safe when taken in appropriate
quantities for short periods of time.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

None expected