Bilberry is the name given to several species of low shrub plants in the genus Vaccinium. The plants bear sweet fruits and is also known as Blaeberry, Whortleberry, Whinberry, Myrtle blueberry, European blueberry, Huckleberry, Fraughan and many other regional names. The species most often referred to is Vaccinius myrtillus L. 

 

Bilberry has been used in Europe for many centuries as a traditional medicinal plant, primarily in the treatment of Diarrhea. The high concentration of tannins in the fruit are believed to reduce intestinal inflammation associated with the condition. Tannins act as an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. It is the astringent nature of the tannins that are believed to help wounds heal quicker. Traditionally the leaves have been used for astringent, tonic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities.

 

Though rigorous studies have yet to have been done, Bilberry leaves have been used to control blood sugar levels in people with Diabetes. Some animal studies have suggested that this traditional treatment may have merits as a treatment for type 2 Diabetes.

 

Bilberry is a close relative of the Cranberry and has many of the same anti-oxidant characteristics. Bilberry fruits contain flavanoid compounds called anthocyanidins. These plant pigments scavenge free radicals in the body. It has been shown that anti-oxidants help prevent Heart disease, Cancer and other diseases. Bilberry in particular has been shown to help prevent an eye disease called macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Studies have also shown that the anthocyanidins in Bilberry can strengthen blood vessels, improve Circulation and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

 

It has also been suggested that the anthocyanidins in Bilberry can help prevent stomach ulcers. These studies have been successful in rats, but human testing has yet to be conducted. It has also been proposed that Bilberry can be used to treat Chronic Fatigue syndrome.

 

The anthocyanidins in Bilberry have been thought to be helpful for a number of Vision problems. RAF pilots during World War II reported improved night vision after taking Bilberry though studies have never confirmed this belief. Bilberry has been shown to be effective in treating macular degeneration, a condition that affects the retina. It is believed that Bilberry can help protect the retina, the nerve layer in the back of the eye that sends visual impulses to the brain.

 

 

Bilberry is a low-growing shrub that grows to about 16 inches. Closely related to North American blueberries and huckleberries, it has oval, pointed leaves and small pink and white flowers. Found in damp, acidic soils throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the world, bilberries produce single or pairs of berries instead of clusters like blueberries. The dark purple berries are ripe to pick in late summer. Bilberry is used as a food plant by the larvae of some butterfly species.

 

 

A major component in bilberries is a group of compounds known as anthocyanisides. Derivatives of anthocyans, the pigments that make up the red, blue and violet colors in fruits and flowers, these compounds help to build strong capillaries and improve Circulation. At least 15 different anthocyanoside compounds have been identified in Bilberry extracts. Anthocyanosides help prevent blood platelets from clumping together which can reduce the incidence of blood clots which could lead to a heart attack or Stroke. Anthocyanides also boost the production of rhodopsin, a pigment believed to help the eye adjust to light changes.

 

In addition to anthocyanosides, Bilberry contains tannins as well as several alkaloids including myrtine and epimyrtine. Many different phenolic acids have been identified in the fruit as well as glycosides including quercitrin, isoquercitin and hyperoside. It is believed that the tannins and the anthocyanides may balance each other out, as anthocyanides help to keep blood from clotting and tannins acting as astringents help stop Bleeding. The tannins are also believed to help control Diarrhea..

 

 

Bilberries can be eaten fresh of the plant, cooked in foods like pies and stuffings, preserved as jellies and jams or dried. Fresh and dried berries and leaves can be used to make Bilberry tea. Bilberry extract contains the highest amounts of anthocyanidins, making it the strongest and most potent form of Bilberry. Bilberry extract contains between 25% and 36% anthocyanidins but should be standardized to contain 25%.

 

 

Bilberry is safe for use with children 2 years of age and up as a treatment for Diarrhea. Boil 4 to 8 grams of dried Bilberry in 2/3 of a cup of water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid while it is hot. Drink several times a day until the Diarrhea subsides.

 

In adults, 5 to 10 grams of crushed Bilberry in 2/3 of a cup of cold water, boiled for 10 minutes and strained should be sufficient to treat Diarrhea.

 

For conditions of the eye and to aid in Circulation, standardized Bilberry extract can be ingested in capsules. 480 milligrams a day in two or three doses is the recommended amount until symptoms improve. Maintaining a dosage of about 240 milligrams a day should help prevent the conditions from returning.

 

For treatment of Diabetes, pour boiling water over 1 1/2 teaspoons of Bilberry leaf and strain. This form of treatment should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

 

To prevent ulcers, take 20 to 40 milligrams of Bilberry extract three times a day or 2 to 4 millileters Tincture three times a day or one half cup of fresh berries.

 

The use of herbal treatments, though a time-honored practice, should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. Herbs can contain active substances which can trigger side effects or interact with other herbs or medicines.

 

Bilberry fruit, leaves and extract are considered safe to use with no known side effects. Bilberry leaves, however, should not be taken in large quantities over long periods of time as they may prove toxic.

 

 

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, Bilberry extracts and anthocyanidin preparations should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

 

Bilberry fruit, leaves and extract are considered safe to use with no known side effects. Bilberry leaves, however, should not be taken in large quantities over long periods of time as they may prove toxic.

 

Bilberry fruit and extract are considered generally safe, with no known side effects. Bilberry leaf is safe with appropriate usage, but should not be taken in large quantities over an extended period of time because it may become toxic. One woman, following breast Cancer surgery, experienced serious Bleeding following surgery. She had been taking many herbs and supplements, including gingko, ginseng, vitamin E and Bilberry.

 

The whole fruit of the Bilberry plant may be safer to eat as the tannins in it may balance out the anticoagulant properties of the berry.