Blueberry (vaccinium corymbosum)

Synopsis

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), particularly Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush) and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush), is a small, blue-purple berry native to North America, widely recognized for its exceptionally high antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins. These flavonoid pigments are responsible for the berry’s rich color and many of its health-promoting effects, especially in the areas of cognitive health, cardiovascular support, vision, and aging.

Blueberries are rich in:

  • Anthocyanins – potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and support blood vessel integrity
  • Vitamin C and vitamin K
  • Manganese and fiber
  • Polyphenols and pterostilbene, a compound related to resveratrol with neuroprotective and metabolic effects

Key benefits of blueberry consumption include:

  • Enhancing cognitive function and memory, especially in aging populations
  • Supporting cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and improving arterial flexibility
  • Improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
  • Protecting vision, particularly against macular degeneration and eye strain
  • Reducing systemic inflammation and oxidative damage
  • Supporting urinary tract health and beneficial gut flora

Blueberries are consumed fresh, dried, frozen, or as juice, extracts, and standardized supplements, often featured in cognitive, heart health, and anti-aging formulas.

Historical Use:

Blueberries have been used for centuries by Native American tribes, not only as a nutrient-dense food but also as medicine and dye. The berries were eaten fresh, dried for winter storage, or added to pemmican for nourishment. Medicinally, blueberry leaf infusions were used to treat coughs, strengthen blood, and soothe the digestive tract, while the berries themselves were valued for cooling inflammation and supporting vision.

In traditional American folk medicine, blueberry and huckleberry (closely related) were used to address diarrhea, mouth ulcers, and eye issues. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots famously consumed blueberry jam in hopes of improving night vision, a claim later investigated and partially supported by modern research on anthocyanins.

Today, blueberries are celebrated as a “superfood” with extensive clinical research validating their role in brain health, vascular function, metabolic regulation, and healthy aging. Their combination of palatability, safety, and scientific backing makes them one of the most commonly recommended berries in both functional nutrition and integrative medicine.

Other names

Blueberry Fruit
Blueberry Extract
Blueberry Juice Powder

Historical and Science-based Use

This ingredient is used to address these health conditions and support these body systems. Note that we list whether the use is historical/traditional or science-based. If science-based, we are including a score from A-F (based on the number of studies done and the quality of those studies).

Conditions

Cataracts (Traditional)
Celiac Disease (Traditional)
Cellulite (Traditional)
Cervical Dysplasia (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (low) (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Cold Hands and Feet (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Concentration (poor) (Traditional)
Concussions (Traditional)
Confusion (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Congestive Heart Failure (Traditional)
Conjunctivitis (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Convulsions (Traditional)
Coordination (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Corns (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Cradle Cap (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Croup (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Cystic Breast Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Dandruff (Traditional)
Deafness (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Defensiveness (Traditional)
Dehydration (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Denture Sores (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Diaper Rash (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Dislocation (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Alzheimer's Disease (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Traditional)
Eye Problems (Traditional)
Eyesight (poor) (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Macular Degeneration (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Metabolic Syndrome (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Traditional)
Psoriasis (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Triglycerides (high) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wrinkles (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Arteriosclerosis (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)

Body Systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Capillaries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Eyes (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Skeletal System (Bones) (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)