What Are the Benefits of Bilberry?

The health benefits of bilberry have been known for 1,000 years, dating back to Europe where the dried berries were used to relieve diarrhea and scurvy. Bilberry was also used to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat. The most common use today is relieving diarrhea, eye problems and circulation problems. The fresh and dried berries can be eaten or taken in extract form. The leaves can be taken as an extract or made into tea.

Properties

• The bilberry shrub reaches about 16 inches in height and grows primarily in northern Europe. The bilberry bush grows best in damp acid soils, as well as woods and sandy, rocky soil. The bush's fruit are small, round and taste sweet. If eaten off of the bush it has a tarter flavor. The color of the fruit is dark blue or dark purple, and it is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry and huckleberry.
  Bilberry fruit contains tannins, a substance found in the bilberry in high concentrations. Tannins act as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. These tannins stop bleeding and relieve diarrhea. A flavinoid compound contained in the bilberry is anthocyanins, a plant pigment and has antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins improve circulation throughout the body and might prevent blood clots, thus decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Benefits

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the anthocyanins in bilberries build strong blood vessels, prevent blood clots and improve circulation in the body. There are health benefits of bilberries for type 1 and type 2 diabetics because bilberry helps lower the risk of diabetic retinopathy damage and cataracts, and the potent antioxidants found in bilberries assist the body in ridding itself of harmful oxidizing agents. Anthocyanins in bilberries benefit health by increasing the production of rhodopsin, which is a pigment that helps enhance night vision.

Conditions

• Bilberry is used to treat conditions related to vascular and blood disorders such as varicose veins and angina. Bilberry assists the body in protecting against heart disease by reducing blood clots. And in addition, it helps reduce and prevent the damage done to the eyes as a result of macular degeneration.

Dosage

• For the best health benefits, add bilberries, blueberries or huckleberries to your diet. Bilberry herbal extract, available in capsules or tablets, are typically recommended at 80-120mg two times per day (see References). To get the most benefit, take bilberry extract containing at least 25 percent anthocyanins and follow the directions on the package as manufacturers instructions vary.

Considerations

• Bilberry should not be taken in large doses. Eating fresh bilberries will cause diarrhea to worsen, especially when taken with laxatives or antibiotics. It should not be used when taking any medication or other herbs that lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, or thin the blood. Always speak with a healthcare provider when taking other supplements and read product labels thoroughly.

Warning

• Caution is advised when taking insulin, or any diabetes medication by mouth. Bilberry may lower blood sugar levels. Any medication or supplements which lower blood pressure should be taken with caution when taking bilberry.