Bilberry
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilli)
Brief background
Bilberry, a close relative of blueberry, has a long history of medicinal use. The dried fruit has been popular for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, for topical relief of minor mucus membrane inflammation, and for a variety of eye disorders, including poor night vision, eyestrain, and myopia. Also acts as an antioxidant, diuretic, and urinary tract antiseptic. Supports and strengthens collagen structures, inhibits the growth of bacteria, and has anti-aging and anticarcinogenic effects. May help halt or prevent mascular degeneration.
Bilberry is also commonly used to make jams, pies, cobblers, syrups, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. Fruit extracts are also used as coloring agents in wines. Bilberry extract has been evaluated for its efficacy as an antioxidant, mucostimulant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, vasoprotectant, and lipid-lowering agent.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Currently, bilberry products are used to prevent or treat various disorders of the eye, especially night blindness. In addition, bilberry has been used to treat eye conditions, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Herbalists have used bilberry to treat diarrhea and a bilberry leaf extract to treat urinary tract infections. Recommend bilberry for enhanced wound healing. According to secondary sources, bilberry’s tannin content may account for its historical use as a treatment for diarrhea, oral ulcers, and sore throats.
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