Bilberry (vaccinium myrtillus)
Synopsis of bilberry
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small, dark-blue berry native to Europe and parts of Asia, closely related to the North American blueberry. The fruit and leaves have been used for centuries in traditional European herbal medicine, primarily to support vision, vascular health, and inflammation control. Bilberries are especially rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidant compounds that give the fruit its deep color and contribute to its medicinal properties.
Bilberry’s key health benefits include:
- Enhancing eye health, particularly night vision and retinal function
- Supporting circulation and capillary integrity, making it helpful for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and bruising
- Providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection to reduce oxidative stress
- Improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis
- Assisting in glucose regulation and supporting metabolic health
It is commonly used in capsule, extract, or dried powder form, often standardized to its anthocyanin content. It is also consumed as bilberry tea or juice, though concentrated extracts are preferred for therapeutic purposes.
Historical Use:
Bilberry has a long history in traditional European medicine, particularly in German, Scandinavian, and British herbalism. The berries were used as a digestive aid, a treatment for diarrhea, and a remedy for inflammation of the mouth and throat. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots reportedly consumed bilberry jam to improve their night vision, a use that led to its modern reputation for retinal support and ocular health.
The leaves were historically used as a mild astringent and antidiabetic remedy, though modern use of bilberry leaf is limited due to concerns about potential toxicity with long-term use.
In folk medicine, bilberry was also used for urinary tract infections, scurvy, and wound healing, often applied as a poultice or taken as a decoction.
Today, bilberry remains a clinically respected botanical, especially in the areas of eye health, microcirculation, and oxidative stress reduction. It is frequently used by individuals with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, capillary fragility, and venous insufficiency, making it a core herb in both traditional and modern phytotherapy.
Bilberry is used for these health conditions
Arteriosclerosis (Traditional)
Bleeding (internal) (Traditional)
Bloodshot Eyes (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Capillary Weakness (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cataracts (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Scientific)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colitis (Scientific)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Scientific)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyes (red or itching) (Traditional)
Eyes (spots before) (Traditional)
Eyesight (poor) (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Glaucoma (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Night Blindness (Traditional)
Spider Veins (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
bilberry is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Capillaries (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Eyes (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Senses (Scientific)
Veins (Scientific)
