Bilberry
(Vaccinum myrtillus)
Also know as Whortleberry, huckleberry
Botanical Information
A deciduous small woody shrub with small sweet purple fruits of forests.
Working with Bilberry
Part(s) Used
Leaf, Fruit
Herb Forms
Capsules, tablets.
Affects
Bilberries are antiseptic and astringent and have been used for diarrhea, diabetes, and inflamed gums. There is also evidence to show they can be used to improve vision (especially night vision) and circulation disorders, due to their high content of anthocyanosides, which are blue to purple pigments. Bilberry jam was used by English pilots in World War II to improve regular and night vision, and Europeans have long used the extract to reduce capillary fragility. Research shows that bilberries contain antiulcer and anticarinogenic activity as well.
Blueberries and huckleberries have the same properties.
Bilberry has a taste of SWEET, SOUR and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
None noted.
