Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Bleeding (internal)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including internal bleeding. Traditional healers used bilberry fruit and leaf extracts for conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even nosebleeds. This use is often attributed to the high content of tannins and anthocyanins in bilberry, which are thought to have astringent properties that help tighten and constrict blood vessels, potentially reducing bleeding.

Despite these traditional uses, scientific validation for bilberry's effectiveness in treating or preventing internal bleeding is limited. Most modern research on bilberry focuses on its antioxidant effects, vascular health, and potential benefits for eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Studies on its astringent effects are generally limited to in vitro or animal models, and there are few, if any, well-designed clinical trials directly investigating its impact on internal bleeding in humans.

Overall, while bilberry's use for internal bleeding is well documented in traditional herbal texts, modern scientific evidence remains weak. Health authorities do not currently recognize bilberry as a standard treatment for internal bleeding, and its use should not replace conventional medical care when serious bleeding occurs.

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