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Bilberry - Side Effects and Health Benefits
Botanical Name of Bilberry: Vaccinium myrtillus.
Other Common Names: Huckleberry, whortleberries, blueberry, European blueberry, bog berry, hurtle berry.
Habitat: It grows wild throughout the forests and meadows of many parts of Europe and western Asia. Grows in the Rocky mountain regions of North America. The bilberry is closely related to the blueberry, cranberry and the huckleberry.
Plant Description: Perennial, ornamental dwarf shrub. Red and pink flowers with an ovoid petal that appears in spring. The herb bears berries.
Plant Parts Used: Mostly the ripe dried berries and occasionally the leaves.
 Bilberry in Bloom (Click on image to enlarge)
Therapeutic Benefits & Uses of Bilberry and Claims
- The use of bilberry as a medicinal herb tracks back all the way to the 16th century.
- One of the most important benefits of bilberry has been the ability to enhance the vision. During World War II, fighter pilots would consume bilberries to improve their night vision, and bilberry is thought to have a significant role to play in the prevention of many common eye diseases as well.
 Bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus) - Bilberry is still used today as the recommended herb to help resolve eyestrain or fatigue, and night blindness.
- It is used to help address vascular and blood disorders, varicose veins, thrombosis and as an herbal treatment for angina. It can also help to prevent capillary fragility and thin the blood.
- Because it contains vitamins A, C, and Anthocyanin, it operates as a natural antioxidant, lowering blood pressure naturally, reducing clotting and improving blood supply to the nervous system. It is becoming popular herbal remedy for diabetes as it contains glucoquinine, which can help to lower blood sugar. The vitamins A & C can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes as well.
- Bilberry is also recommended for diarrhea, nausea and indigestion. Sometimes it will be used as a treatment for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
- Bilberry could be effective herbal treatment for cancers (certain types). It has been shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro. This could be contributed to the antioxidant flavonoid anthocyanin but more research is needed.
- Bilberry has been used traditionally as a natural remedy for kidney stones, scurvy and urinary infections.
Dosage and Administration
Bilberry is often taken in capsule form. Some herbalists will recommend it as a tincture.
In capsule form: One 80 to 160-milligram extract capsule standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidin, taken three times per day as the usual dosage.
Potential Side Effects of Bilberry
Bilberry may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness or headaches, but such reports are rare. It should not be used when taking any medication or other herbs that lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, or thin the blood. Bilberry should be taken with caution and it is important to consult your health care professional as it could increase the effects of other medications.
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"In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties."
Henri Frederic Amiel
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