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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Bilberry
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedLeaves and berries Description of Plant(s) and CultureBilberry is a shrubby perennial plant; the angular, green, branched stem grows from a creeping rootstock to a height of According to Culpeper there are two sorts common in England, the black and the red berries. Both used similarly. Where FoundGrows in the sandy areas, in acid soil, in forests, heaths, rocky barrens, bog and tundra. Northern United States. In the woods and forest meadows of Europe. Medicinal PropertiesAntiseptic, astringent, nutritive, diuretic Biochemical InformationFatty acids, hyroquinone, iron, loeanolic acid, neomyrtillin, sodium, tannins, and ursolic acids, quinnic acid (in the leaves) potassium, and Legends, Myths and StoriesBilberry is a well-known folk remedy for poor vision, especially for people who suffer from "night blindness," that is, they have difficulty seeing in the dark. In fact, bilberry jam was given to Royal Air Force pilots who flew nighttime missions during World Used to make wine. Elizabethan apothecaries made a syrup of the berries with honey, called rob, as a remedy for diarrhea. Bilberry is a home and industrial leather dye of brown and yellow colors. Combined with other chemicals to produce violet, red, green and blue for wool, cotton and linen material. UsesFor diabetes, (bilberry berries increases insulin production, caution should be taken by diabetics and cases of hypoglycemia), sinusitis, kidney and bladder problems, ulcers. Leaves help to lower blood sugar levels and to ease inflammation. The leaf is effective as a remedy for diarrhea. Fresh berries can produce diarrhea in some people and stop it in others. Also the fruit is used for anemia, consumptive wasting, indigestion, and colitis. Roots are used for dropsy, and urinary stones. Dried berries pass through the stomach without affecting it; beginning work in the small intestine. A strong decoction of the berries is said to be used for typhoid fever. Fresh or well-preserved berry juice makes a good gargle for sore throats or as a mouthwash for inflamed gums or for leucoplasia (an inflammation of the tongue producing white patches). Eating the fresh berries help regulate bowel action, stimulate appetite, end intestinal putrefaction which causes gas. Leaf tea used for coughs, vomiting, stomach cramps, and catarrhal enteritis. Externally, use as a wash for skin problems, sores, wounds, ulcers, and burns. Strengthens capillaries that feed eye muscles and nerves reducing and even reversing the damage caused by blood vessel deterioration. Increases night vision, reduces eye fatigue, helpful for nearsightedness (myopia). Helps preserve eyesight and prevent eye damage. At one time, it was used in the treatment of scurvy in Norway and other northern countries. Formulas or DosagesGather the leaves when the plant is fully developed but before the berries are ripe. Infusion: use Decoction: use Extract: mix Tincture: take Nutrient ContentPotassium, and  Back to Top How SoldCapsules: 1 capsule, from WarningInterferes with iron absorption when taken internally.
The leaves lower blood sugar levels, so insulin-dependent diabetics should not take them in infusions without professional supervision.
Leaves can produce symptoms of poisoning if used over long periods.
Resource LinksLiveStrong.com: Bilberry Vs. Huckleberry LiveStrong.com: Borage Oil & Bilberry Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Bilberry National Center for Complementary Medicine: Bilberry U.S. National Library of Medicine: Bilberry University of Maryland Medical Center: Bilberry Glaucoma.org: Alternative Medicine Bibliography
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Black whortleberry
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.