Bilberry is a perennial plant with fruits that look similar to blueberries. It grows wild in the Northern United States and in Europe. Both the bilberry fruit and leaves are used in herbal treatments. The leaves should be gathered when the plant is fully developed, but before the fruits are ripe.
Treatment for Diabetes
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the leaves of the bilberry plant are used to regulate blood sugar in diabetes patients. Animal studies suggest that it's effective for this use, but so far, no human studies have been done.
Atherosclerosis Treatment
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, has been traditionally treated with bilberry. The U.S. National Library of Medicine (UNLM) states that it may strengthen blood vessels and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. It's this plaque that often leads to heart attack or stroke. Some research has been done to determine its effectiveness for this condition, but more is needed before it can be recommended.
Treatment for Diarrhea
Another traditional use for bilberry is to treat diarrhea. According to the UMMC, it's been used for nearly a thousand years in European medicine. The herb acts to constrict and tighten tissues, which reduces intestinal inflammation. However, no studies have been done to confirm its effectiveness.
Treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency
The UNLM states that chronic venous insufficiency is a condition whereby the blood vessels in the legs are damaged. It includes such conditions as leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching and skin ulcers. Bilberry has been used to treat this condition in Europe with reported success. But no studies have convincingly determined that bilberry eases the symptoms.
Improve Vision
According to both the UMM and UNLM, bilberry has been used to help with several conditions that affect vision. Bilberry is said to prevent the worsening of cataracts, to improve diabetic retinopathy, to reduce the chance of getting glaucoma and to improve night vision. Some studies have been done to see if bilberry does improve these vision-related conditions, but no conclusive results have been found.
Other Uses
The UNLM states that bilberry has also been used to treat fibrocystic breast disease, dysmenorrhea and peptic stomach ulcers. More studies needs to be done before bilberry's effectiveness can be determined.
Forms
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine tells us that the fruit of the bilberry plant is used to make extracts, and the leaves are made into tea or extracts.
Warning
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that bilberry may cause harmful interactions with other medications, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Any new substance can cause an allergic reaction. Be aware of any rashes, hives, difficulty breathing or chest pain while taking bilberry. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking the herb and contact your healthcare provider.
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