Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Debility

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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, where it has been employed to address general "debility"—a term historically describing overall weakness, fatigue, or lack of vitality. The use stems primarily from the berry's purported ability to "strengthen" the body, possibly due to its nutritional content, including vitamins, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. In traditional herbal texts, bilberry preparations (such as teas, syrups, or tinctures) were recommended to "restore strength" after illness or periods of convalescence. However, this is based on anecdotal and empirical use rather than rigorous scientific study.

Modern clinical evidence directly supporting bilberry for “debility” is lacking. Most research on bilberry focuses on its potential benefits for eye health, circulation, and glycemic control, rather than general fatigue or weakness. While bilberries are a good dietary source of antioxidants, which may support overall health, there are no robust clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for the broad, non-specific condition of debility. Thus, while the traditional use is well documented, scientific validation for this specific indication remains minimal, warranting a low evidence score.

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