Bilberry, also referred to as myrtille, wineberry, bleaberry and whortleberry, is a plant that may have medicinal uses. Individuals use the ripe fruit, dried fruit and leaves to make medicine. Possible medical conditions that bilberry may help include lesions on the retina for people with diabetes or high blood pressure and improving night vision, chest pain, urinary tract problems and hemorrhoids, according to RxList. Additional uses include treatment for menstrual pain, diarrhea and varicose veins. Always consult your health care professional before beginning any herbal supplement to treat medical conditions.
Step 1
Consult a physician or pharmacist on the dosage and frequency of bilberry needed for your medical condition as well as a suggestion on the best route to take the supplement.
Step 2
Decide which type of bilberry supplement you wish to take. You may choose to drink bilberry in tea form made from dried leaves, as an extract, in tablet form or as a tea made from the smashed berries.
Step 3
Follow package instructions carefully when taking an herbal supplement because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the manufacturing or sale of these products and each product may vary in strength. Typical dosage amounts of bilberry include 80 to 120 mg two times daily of extract to 80 to 480 mg per day in two or three divided doses in capsule form, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 4
Drink an entire glass of water when taking bilberry in pill form.
Step 5
Use a dropper or a liquid measuring device to accurately measure the dose of bilberry if using the supplement in liquid form.
Step 6
Inspect berries before making a tea. The berries should be soft, free of mold and unbothered by insects.
Step 7
Avoid using bilberry in several different forms at one time. For example, do not drink bilberry tea and also take bilberry as a tablet. Using multiple forms of bilberry at once increases the risk of developing a bilberry overdose, according to Drugs.com.
Step 8
Watch for possible side effects when taking bilberry supplements. Possible adverse reactions include decreased blood sugar for diabetics, and the supplement may cause harm for an unborn baby if the mother uses the supplement. Signs of an allergy to bilberry include swelling of the face and airway, difficulty breathing, hives and an increased heart rate.
Step 9
Store bilberry supplements as directed on the package. Protect the supplement from light to protect the integrity of the supplement.
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