Although bilberries have been used for hundreds of years to make pies, jams and other confections, they also have some important medicinal uses. Bilberry has potential health benefits, especially if you have cardiovascular problems, eye-related conditions, diabetes and even hemorrhoids. As with any herbal remedy, you should talk with your doctor before taking bilberry remedies to discuss potential dangers and drug interactions.
History
People have used bilberries as food and in medicinal preparations for centuries, primarily in Europe where they grow natively, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bilberry is related to cranberry, blueberry and huckleberry plants, but it's been used in traditional medicine to treat menstrual problems, typhoid infections, bladder and kidney stones, scurvy, urinary tract infections, diabetes and diarrhea. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision during nighttime bombing raids, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Benefits
Bilberry can offer many benefits and potential medicinal uses. You can take bilberry to treat eye-related conditions like retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration and night blindness, says the University of Michigan Health System. You can also take bilberry to treat atherosclerosis, chronic venous insufficiency, diabetes, diarrhea and wounds, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bilberry also has potential uses in treating bruises, hemorrhoids and varicose veins, as well as in supporting surgical operations, adds the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Function
Bilberry contains anthocyanosides, substances that may strengthen blood vessel walls, provide benefits to the retinas, decrease inflammation and stabilize tendons, ligaments and cartilage, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Bilberry may also prevent cholesterol oxidation and provide strong antioxidant effects, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Dosage
You can take a daily dose of 240 to 600 mg of bilberry extract in the form of tablets or capsules, standardized to contain about 25 percent anthocyanosides, says the University of Michigan Health System. Alternatively, you can take 1 to 2 ml of bilberry tincture twice daily or 20 to 60 grams of bilberry whole fruits. To treat diarrhea, boil 5 to 10 grams of crushed, dried bilberries in 2/3 of a cup of water for 10 minutes, and then strain and drink the fluid, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Medical Evidence
A one-month-long, double-blind study of 40 people conducted in Mexico in 1974 found that taking bilberry extract substantially decreased hemorrhoid symptoms, compared with a placebo, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A small double-blind clinical trial published in 1997 found that taking bilberry significantly improved symptoms related to diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy. A 1996 study found that bilberry leaves helped to reduce blood triglyceride levels and treat diabetes in rats. A 1997 test tube study also found that bilberry fruits helped to prevent cholesterol oxidation, which may indicate its use in treating atherosclerosis, says the University of Michigan Health System. Also, a 1989 preliminary clinical trial in Italy found that the anthocyanosides in bilberry helped to prevent cataracts.
Dangers
Because bilberries are consumed as food, they're generally very safe. But because taking bilberry leaves may reduce blood sugar levels, you should talk be careful about taking the herbal remedy if you're taking an anti-diabetic medication that reduces your blood sugar, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition to diabetes medications, you should avoid taking bilberry along with blood-thinning drugs, or "anticoagulants," because the herb can increase the effects of these medications and cause potential bleeding risks. Also, the tannins in bilberry extract may cause muscle spasms, extreme weight loss and possibly death if you take the herb for prolonged periods of time or in too-large doses, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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