Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Bilberry is a plant. The dried, ripe fruit and leaves are used to make medicine.

Bilberry is used for improving eyesight, including night vision. In fact, during World War II, British pilots in the Royal Air Force ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision, but later research showed it probably didn't help. Bilberry is also used for treating eye conditions such as cataracts and disorders of the retina. There is some evidence that bilberry may help retinal disorders.

Some people use bilberry for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), varicose veins, decreased blood flow in the veins, and chest pain.

Bilberry is also used for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hemorrhoids, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, skin infections, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, kidney disease, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

It is sometimes applied directly to the inside of the mouth for mild mouth and throat soreness.

How does it work?

Bilberry contains chemicals called tannins that can help improve diarrhea, as well as mouth and throat irritation, by reducing swelling (inflammation). There is some evidence that the chemicals found in bilberry leaves can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Some researchers think that chemicals called flavonoids in bilberry leaf might also improve circulation in people with diabetes. Circulation problems can harm the retina of the eye.

Circulation problems (chronic venous insufficiency).
Problems with the retina of the eye in people with diabetes or high blood pressure (retinopathy).
Diabetes.
Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
Eye strain.
Glaucoma.
Prediabetes.
High pressure in the eye.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Metabolic syndrome.
Difficulty seeing far away (nearsighted, myopia).
Ulcerative colitis.
Weight loss.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis).
Cataracts.
Chest pain (angina).
Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Diabetes.
Gout.
Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Skin problems.
Urinary tract problems.
Varicose veins.

The typical dose of the dried, ripe berries: 20-60 grams daily. People also drink a type of tea made from 5-10 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of the mashed berries.

A dose of 160 mg of bilberry extract taken twice daily has been used in people with diseased retinas.

A dose of 200 mg taken twice daily for four weeks has been used in patients with who have difficulty seeing far away.

Bilberry leaf is commonly used as a tea. The tea is prepared by steeping 1 gram, 1-2 teaspoons, finely chopped dried leaf in 150 mL boiling water for 5-10 minutes, and then straining. Don't use bilberry leaf long-term.

The dried, ripe fruit of bilberry is SAFE for most people when eaten in typical food amounts. Bilberry fruit extracts are SAFE when taken by mouth for medicinal uses for up to one year. Also, a specific combination product (Mirtogenol) containing bilberry and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol) has been used safely for up to 6 months.

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of bilberry during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes. Bilberry leaf might lower blood sugar. Taking bilberry leaves along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Surgery: Bilberry might affect blood glucose levels. This could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking bilberry at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.