Habitat
Type: woods, moors
Distribution: throughout northern hemisphere
Prefers: acid soil
Other: not on lime, patch forming

General
Growth type: shrub
Cycle: deciduous
Height: up to 50 cm
Other: hairless

Leaf
Shape: oval
Arrangement: alternate
Edge: finely toothed
Other: small

Stem
Cross Section:angular

Flower
Shape: bell
Diameter: 6 mm
Arrangement: single or paired
When: April to July
Colour:

Fruit
Shape: round
Colour: blue-black
Size: up to 10 mm
Other: purplish bloom

the leaves should only be consumed up to three weeks at a time

September and October
July to September

Parts with black and white icons are for non-culinary use

Flavour
Rating and Description:
mildly sweet-sour

How to Consume
tea
raw, dried

Nutrition
glucoquinones - reduces blood sugar levels
(skin) anthocyanin, anthocyanosides

Used as ...
beverage
food

Action:
antiseptic (urinary tract), astringent, diuretic, tonic,
fresh: laxative; dried: antibacterial, astringent; berry skin: vasodilator

May treat:
diabetes (if taken for prolonged period; not replacing conventional treatment); external: ulcers, ulceration of mouth or throat
fresh: diarrhoea; berry skin: varicose veins, haemorrhoids, capillary fragility, improves night vision, circulation and memory

green dye
blue or black dye/ink

Collection
only green leaves
hidden under leaves

Drying
dry in gentle heat
in shade

Note
indicates acid soil

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Parts with black and white icons in the availability section are for non-culinary use

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• anthocyanin: antioxidant, mostly in skin of dark blue fruit or red leaves; improves night vision, circulation, memory
• anthocyanosides: antioxidant; strengthens capillaries/connective tissue; may improve night vision
• antibacterial: kills bacteria
• antiseptic: prevents putrefaction (applied to wounds)
• astringent: causes localised contraction of blood vessels and tissue, reducing the flow of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine
• glucoquinones: reduce blood sugar levels
• laxative: evacuates the bowels or softens stools
• tonic: improves general health, bringing steady improvement
• vasodilator: widens blood vessels, reducing blood pressure