Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Bilberry is related to the blueberry, but produces single or pairs of berries on the bush instead
of clusters.
Alternate names
 European blueberry
 Whortleberry
 Huckleberry
Native to
 North America
 Europe
 Northern Asia
Medicinal parts used
 Fruit of the plant, which is eaten or made into extracts
 Leaves of the plant, which are made into extracts or used to make teas
Uses
 Historically, the fruit was used to treat:
− Diarrhea
− Scurvy
− Other conditions
 Today, the fruit is used to treat:
− Diarrhea
− Menstrual cramps
− Eye problems
− Varicose veins
− Venous insufficiency
− Other circulatory problems
 The leaf is used for different conditions than the fruit, including diabetes
 Often used to improve night vision, but clinical studies have not shown this
 Some claim that bilberry fruit improves night vision, but clinical studies have not shown
this
 Not enough scientific evidence supports the use of bilberry fruit or leaf for any health
conditions
Side effects and warnings
 Fruit is considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in foods or as an
extract in recommended doses for brief periods of time
 Studies have not looked at the long-term safety and side effects extensively
 High doses or extended use of bilberry leaf or leaf extract are considered unsafe because of
possible toxic side effects
 Bilberry contains chromium and could increase the risk of chromium poisoning when taken
with other chromium-containing herbs and supplements, such as:
− Brewer's yeast
− Cascara
− Chromium
− Horsetail
 Bilberry leaves might decrease blood sugar:
− Warning: Taking bilberry leaves along with other medications or herbs that can lower
blood sugar might cause your blood sugar to go too low
 Some concern exists about bilberry possibly slowing down blood clotting, and that taking
bilberry along with herbs or medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances
of bruising and bleeding, but not enough information is available to know if this is a serious
concern
Dosage recommendations
 Typical dose of the dried, ripe berries: 20−60 grams (g)/day
 Typical dose for tea made from bilberry berries: 5−10 g (1−2 teaspoons [tsp]) of the
mashed berries
 Dose for individuals with diseased retinas: 160 milligrams (mg) of bilberry extract taken
twice daily
 Bilberry leaf is commonly used as a tea, prepared by:
− Steeping 1 g (1−2 tsp) of finely chopped, dried leaves in 150 milliliters (mL) of boiling
water for 5−10 minutes and then straining
− Do not use bilberry leaf long term
References and recommended readings
MedlinePlus. Bilberry. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/202.html. Accessed March 14, 2011.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Bilberry. Available at:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/bilberry/. Accessed March 14, 2011.
Review Date 5/11
G-1631