Vaccinium angustifolium

Ethnobotanical Uses

Lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), widespread in boreal and subboreal northeastern and north‑central North America, has a well‑documented medicinal tradition centered on infusions and decoctions of its leaves and tender twigs. Among the Saulteaux (Ojibwe) peoples of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, leaf infusions were taken as a remedy for stomach troubles and vomiting, and the same preparation was used as a general tonic for a “sick stomach” (Johns et al., 1991). On the Atlantic coast, Mi’kmaq communities of New Brunswick prepared hot water infusions of the leaves for colds, coughs, and stomachaches, and also used them in baths or washes for sore eyes (Marett, 2005). Northwest Coast peoples including the Haida and Coast Salish used cold or hot infusions of blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for scurvy and as a tonic; the same drink was valued as a carminative to “sooth a hearty stomach” (Turner & Hebda, 1990).

For a practical tea, steep 1–2 heaping teaspoons (roughly 1–2 g) of dried leaves in 250 ml of just‑boiled water for 5–10 minutes; some preparers add a few fresh twigs to the leaf infusion and strain before drinking. Traditional accounts recommend frequent small cups for stomach upset, and many contemporary herbalists suggest 1–3 cups daily for 1–2 weeks as a short course. Safety: the leaves contain significant tannins and should be taken in modest amounts; avoid very strong or prolonged daily use during pregnancy; discontinue if stomach irritation occurs and consult a clinician if symptoms persist.

The leaves are rich in flavonols (notably quercetin), phenolic acids such as chlorogenic and caffeic acids, and proanthocyanidins; anthocyanins, principally cyanidin glycosides, occur primarily in the berries. These compounds are well known in Vaccinium angustifolium and plausibly support the reported carminative and vitamin‑C‑supporting effects of the infusions (Turner & Hebda, 1990).

Modern relevance: lowbush blueberry leaves remain in limited commercial use for herbal teas and tonic blends, and ongoing studies continue to explore their antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activities alongside ongoing traditional tea use in Indigenous communities.

**Common products:**
The berries of *Vaccinium angustifolium* are commercially cultivated and harvested as fresh fruit, frozen products, juice concentrates, dried berries, powders, and purees. Berries are also processed into jams, jellies, syrups, and baked goods fillings.

**Industrial and craft applications:**
The fruit skins (peels) contain high levels of anthocyanins and are used as a natural source of purple-blue colorants in food products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Extracts standardized for anthocyanin content may also function as natural antioxidants in certain food applications. No significant industrial or craft uses beyond food/colorant extraction are documented for other plant parts.

**Food and beverages (non-medicinal):**
Processed products include juice concentrate, frozen berries, dried/candied berries, and fruit purées. Berries are used as ingredients in baked goods, dairy products (e.g., yogurt), cereals, confectionery, and sauces. Juice concentrate serves as a base for beverages, syrups, and fermented products like wine or mead.
Anthocyanin-rich extracts derived from berry skins are utilized as food colorants (E163 classification) and antioxidant supplements.

**Colorants and tanning:**
Anthocyanins extracted from the fruit skins act as natural water-soluble colorants (purple-blue hues) in foods, beverages, supplements, and some cosmetics. These colorants exhibit sensitivity to pH and light stability challenges typical of anthocyanins. No documented use in leather tanning.

**Wood and fiber:**
*Vaccinium angustifolium* is a low-growing shrub (typically

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