Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Cold Hands and Feet

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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, particularly for vascular and circulatory health. The fruit and leaves have been used to help improve microcirculation, which is believed to be beneficial for conditions involving poor peripheral blood flow, such as cold hands and feet. Folk medicine has often attributed the warming properties of bilberry to its purported ability to strengthen blood vessel walls and support healthy capillary function.

Scientifically, bilberry is rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that may have vasoprotective effects. Some small studies have suggested that anthocyanin-rich extracts from bilberries can improve endothelial function and microcirculation. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly investigating bilberry’s effects on cold hands and feet (such as Raynaud's phenomenon or other circulatory disorders). Most evidence for its use in this context remains extrapolated from its general vascular benefits, rather than direct evidence for symptom relief in cold extremities.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis for using bilberry to support individuals with cold hands and feet, and some indirect scientific rationale based on its effects on blood vessels and circulation, high-quality clinical evidence for its effectiveness for this specific use is limited. Thus, the tradition is the primary justification, with supporting—but not definitive—scientific plausibility.

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