Number 24 - Blueberry

Today's 'herb', even though we'll be looking at the health enhancements of the berry from Vaccinium plants, is the blueberry.

There are many different berries sold as 'blueberries', these can be bilberries, huckleberriesor many different berries from different blueberry plants. The blueberries themselves have some anti-inflammation properties and can protect against cancers. Blueberries can help ease uninary tract infections, and due to their properties in enhancing memory, are considered important in helping Alzheimers. Blueberries can also help ease depression. As well as the many nutrients present in the berry, it helps the body in both the digestive tract, the heart and even the eyes, helping reduce the risk of blindess.

The only risks from blueberries are that if you eat too many at once, it may conjour diaherra. The blueberry is also a diuretic, which means it increases urine flow.

Blueberries can be eaten in multiple forms: jam, pies, raw, in salads, or even as extracts.

Blueberry extract. (Product of LifeExtension)

Number 3 - St. John's Wort

For our third herb, we'll be looking at the commonly used St. John's Wort, hypericum perforatum.

This herb is used as a treatment for depression and other mental illnesses.

It is dangerous to take St. John's Wort alongside any medically prescribed anti-depressants, as it can cancel out the effects of either medicine, making the taking of them pointless. This is extremely risky depending on the diagnosis. It can also cause photosensitivity.

St. John's Wort can be taken in tablet/capsule form, or as a tea.

St. John's Wort tablets, taken once a day. (Source Unknown.  Product of Kira)