Fresh blueberries have a slightly laxative effect and are therefore popular as home remedies for physical ailments. However, caution is sometimes required when collecting wild blueberries.
The confusion with visually similar berries
Basically, the fruits of the blueberries, also known as blueberries, are not poisonous, but on the contrary very rich in vitamins and healthy. However, when picking blueberries in the forest, inexperienced collectors run the risk of confusing them with bog bilberries. In addition, blueberries collected in the forest should be washed before consumption to rule out the risk of fox tapeworm.
The Danger of the Leaves
In the past, the leaves of blueberry bushes were considered home remedies for the following diseases:
- gout
- rheumatism
- diabetes
A positive effect of the leaves, in contrast to that of the juice from the berries, has not yet been proven. However, the leaves contain arbutin and hydroquinone, making them mildly toxic. For this reason, long-term consumption of blueberry leaves is strongly discouraged.
tips and tricks
While fresh blueberries tend to have a laxative effect, dried blueberries can be used as a proven remedy with the opposite effect.