Bilberry is a long-used herb that looks very similar to the blueberry. It is often used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of problems ranging from diarrhea to poor night vision. Bilberry has been a popular subject in medical research as of late, particularly in Europe where researchers are trying to determine the exact effects of bilberry and ways the herb can be effectively applied medicinally. Currently, bilberry is believed to have many benefits.
Diarrhea Treatment
Bilberry can be used as an antidiarrhetic drug, but it only works when the fruit is dried. That's because the drying process creates tannins in the fruit that are key to preventing diarrhea. Dried bilberry can be used to make tea, which is particularly effective at treating mild cases of enteritis, according to Drugs.com. Bilberry tea can be taken as needed to treat diarrhea and restore regulation to your bowels.
Circulatory Health
Bilberry can be taken to treat chronic venous insufficiency, a condition more commonly diagnosed in Europe than in the United States, according to Medline Plus. Chronic venous insufficiency can include several different problems related to the circulatory system, including varicose veins, leg pain, skin ulcers and itching. Bilberry is often used in Europe to relieve these symptoms and treat the condition. The herb is also sometimes used to treat heart disease and atherosclerosis--a hardening of the arteries--according to Medline Plus. Bilberry is effective because it is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering herb, all of which contribute to health of the heart and cardiovascular system.
Eye Health and Treatment
Bilberry has long been associated with eye health and the ability to improve vision and other eye disorders. It can be taken to treat and prevent cataracts and the worsening of cataracts. Research in animals and humans has concluded that bilberry can treat retinopathy in both patients with diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also treat the inter-ocular pressure associated with glaucoma. According to Medline Plus, in the 1960s and 1970s bilberry was also believed to help improve night vision, although this benefit has since been refuted by medical studies.
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