Condition
Treatment Support
antioxidant
Application
tablet, capsule
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.
Christopher Hobbs:
“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.”
Modern Clinical Uses
Today, herbalists and naturopaths primarily use bilberry for eye health, particularly for conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Bilberry is also recommended for vascular health due to its antioxidant properties, particularly for microcirculation and capillary integrity, which can benefit varicose veins, bruising, and poor circulation. It’s often paired with other herbs or nutrients for synergistic effects.
Chemistry
Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins—natural pigments with powerful antioxidant effects—as well as other polyphenols, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. Anthocyanins give bilberries their dark color and are believed to be the primary active compounds contributing to bilberry’s health benefits.
Pharmacology
Anthocyanins in bilberry help stabilize and protect collagen, promote healthy blood vessels, and improve blood flow, especially in capillaries. They may also inhibit enzymes like elastase and collagenase, which break down connective tissue, thus supporting vascular health. Bilberry’s antioxidants further reduce oxidative stress, which may play a role in protecting vision and reducing inflammation.
Clinical Trials Summary
While bilberry’s traditional uses have led to various studies, clinical trials are still limited. Some small studies have shown that bilberry extract may improve night vision, visual acuity, and symptoms of visual fatigue. A few trials also support its use in improving capillary and vascular health, but more large-scale, placebo-controlled studies are needed to substantiate these effects.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs.
Cautions
Bilberry is generally considered safe when consumed as a food or in recommended doses for short-term therapeutic use. However, high doses may have anticoagulant effects, so caution is advised for individuals taking blood-thinning medications. Mild digestive upset is a rare side effect.
Conditions treated with Bilberry
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
circulatory stimulant
Application
capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
vision improving
Application
tablets
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
