Bilberries, also known as whortleberries or Vaccinum myrtillus, are native to the central and northern parts of Europe, although today they are cultivated throughout the world. Generally recognized as safe, bilberry has a long history as both a food and an herbal medicine. Consult your doctor before using bilberry to treat any medical condition.
History
Valued by herbalists, historical uses of the fruit include eating the berries fresh or dried as a source of food. Traditional healing remedies include taking bilberry in juice or extract form as a treatment for diarrhea, sore throats, infections and scurvy, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." In the 1940's, bilberry became popular as a treatment to enhance night vision.
Features
The bilberry closely resembles the common blueberry in appearance, although the taste of it is slightly more bitter and astringent. The small, dark berries contain antioxidant flavonoids and anthocyanosides that are valuable in collagen repair, reports the Gale Encyclopedia. The berries grow abundantly on bushes that are approximately 16-inches high, and the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that bilberry is also a relative of cranberry and huckleberry.
Herbal Medicine
The anthocyanosides present in bilberries are reportedly beneficial for protecting the healthy structure of the eye, although clinical testing to verify that claim is lacking. Drugs.com reports that bilberry fruit may be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and night vision. Other potential benefits include the treatment of varicose veins, clogged arteries, high cholesterol and arthritis, according to the Gale Encyclopedia.
Products
Bilberry fruit is available in health food stores in juices, extracts, tinctures, freeze-dried tablets, whole dried berries or as a tea. Because the FDA does not oversee the production of dietary supplements, there is no guarantee of safety or effectiveness when using bilberry as an herbal remedy.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises those taking blood thinning medications to consult their doctors before using concentrated forms of bilberry. In addition, bilberry extracts may interfere with drugs that lower blood sugar. Pregnant women and children should only use bilberry under a doctor's supervision.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bilberry
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Drugs.com: Bilberry
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