Bilberry

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Bilberry
- European Blueberry
- Whortleberry
- Wineberry
- Huckleberry
- Trackleberry

Latin Name: Vaccinium myrtillus

Category: Herb

Note: The consensus among modern holistic practitioners is that American blueberries work just as well as bilberry and are more widely available and less expensive.

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Diarrhea and digestive complaints - European folk medicine, centuries of use; dried berries used as astringent remedy
• Scurvy prevention - Traditional use for vitamin C content
• Dysentery and gastrointestinal infections - Traditional European and American herbalism
• Urinary tract support - Traditional use as antiseptic and diuretic
• Diabetes management - European folk remedy; noted as congruent with American blueberry use by 1927
• Inflammation of mouth and throat - Traditional gargle and mouthwash
• Hemorrhoids and varicose veins - Traditional circulatory support
• Bedwetting in children - Traditional British use as tea

Modern Uses

• Night vision and visual adaptation | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Bilberry stimulates production of rhodopsin (retinal purple), integral to night vision. Research confirmed RAF pilots' discovery. In clinical studies, 240 mg bilberry anthocyanosides improved night vision within two hours of ingestion, with greater pupil contraction, faster movement, and improved macular recovery.

• Source citations: Chevallier - Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine; Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing

• Myopia (nearsightedness) | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: In one study, researchers examined the eyes of 30 healthy middle-aged people with myopia and found that bilberry extract produced significant improvement in visual acuity.

• Source citations: Better Nutrition 2020-02

• Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Using 160 mg bilberry anthocyanosides extract (Myrtocyan) twice daily for one month improved eyes in 77-90% of participants. Studies show marked reduction or disappearance of retinal hemorrhages. Bilberry protects collagen structures in the eyes, and 600 mg/day for two months decreased harmful polymeric collagen synthesis in diabetic retinopathy patients.

• Source citations: Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing; Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Easley & Horne - Modern Herbal Dispensatory

• Cataracts and macular degeneration | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: In one study, bilberry extract (180 mg) combined with vitamin E (100 mg) twice daily prevented further lens opacity development in 97% of patients with mild senile cortical cataracts after eight months. Antioxidant action prevents free radical damage associated with cataract formation and macular degeneration.

• Source citations: Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor

• Venous insufficiency and varicose veins | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Review of uncontrolled trials (1979-1985) found bilberry extract caused rapid improvement in symptoms and venous microcirculation. Double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed reduced paresthesia, pain, heaviness, and edema after 30 days of treatment. Study of 50 people with varicose veins taking 480 mg daily showed increased local circulation, reduced fluid retention, and improved skin appearance.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Hemorrhoids | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Open trial lasting 2-3 months provided relief for patients with venous disorders including hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Anthocyanosides stabilize collagen and rebuild capillaries.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor

• Raynaud's syndrome and peripheral circulation | Research quality: Preliminary to Moderate

• Key findings: Double-blind trial showed improved mobilization of finger joints in Raynaud's patients. Bilberry enhances circulation and protects arteries and capillaries from free radical damage.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor

• Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Double-blind placebo-controlled trial showed bilberry significantly reduced symptoms including pelvic and lumbosacral pain, breast tension, headache, nausea, and heaviness of lower limbs. Taking 320 mg anthocyanins daily resulted in fewer women experiencing nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing

• Peptic ulcers and gastric protection | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Bilberry extract demonstrated significant dose-dependent antiulcer activity in animal studies. Increases gastric mucus and reduces stomach lining inflammation. Protects against ulcers induced by alcohol, NSAIDs, and stress by reducing prostaglandin E2 without affecting stomach acid.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor

• Cardiovascular protection | Research quality: Preliminary to Moderate

• Key findings: Bilberry reduces platelet aggregation, preventing clots while not increasing bleeding risk. Protects against atherosclerosis. Reduces oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Prescribed in parts of Europe for surgical patients, shown to reduce excessive bleeding by over 70%.

• Source citations: Brewer - Encyclopedia of Vitamins; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor; Wood - Earthwise Herbal

• Capillary fragility and easy bruising | Research quality: Preliminary to Moderate

• Key findings: Anthocyanosides stabilize collagen and strengthen capillary walls. Used for bruising, petechiae, spider veins, and nosebleeds caused by capillary fragility. Flavonoids decrease capillary fragility and permeability.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor; Wood - Earthwise Herbal

• Diarrhea (acute, nonspecific) | Research quality: Traditional/Approved

• Key findings: German Commission E approved for acute nonspecific diarrhea. Astringent tannins provide relief. The dried berries are particularly effective.

• Source citations: Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Balch - Prescription for Herbal Healing

• Arthritis and inflammation | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Anthocyanins protected collagen against nonenzymatic proteolytic activity in vitro, suggesting protection during inflammatory processes. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties helpful in arthritis.

• Source citations: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor

• Blood sugar regulation | Research quality: Traditional/Preliminary

• Key findings: Leaves are a traditional remedy for diabetes and are rich in chromium. The glycoside neomyrtillin contained in bilberry leaves has the ability to lower blood glucose. Bilberry reduces blood sugar and may help regulate hyperglycemia if used over several months. Best used as 0.25% standardized extract for diabetic conditions.
• Source citations: McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor; Gladstar - Herbs for Long-Lasting Health; Stewart - Herbs To Treat Diabetes

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Anthocyanins (anthocyanosides) - Blue-purple pigments; more than 15 identified; responsible for vasoprotective, antioxidant, and vision-enhancing effects. Bilberry's purple flesh contains significantly more than American blueberries.
- Neomyrtillin - Glycoside in leaves with blood glucose-lowering ability
- Tannins (approximately 7%) - Astringent compounds responsible for antidiarrheal and digestive effects
- Proanthocyanidins - Potent antioxidants that strengthen blood vessel walls
- Flavonoids (including cyanogens) - Antioxidant compounds supporting vascular health
- Pectin - Soluble fiber; contributes to both antidiarrheal effects and jam-making properties
- Catechins and epicatechin - Antioxidant compounds
- Fruit acids and phenolic acids - Support digestive and antimicrobial actions
- Vitamins A, C, and B2 - Nutritive support; high vitamin C content historically used for scurvy
- Triterpenes - Additional bioactive compounds
- Iron - Mineral content

Mechanism Notes:
- Anthocyanins regenerate rhodopsin, the pigment in retinal rods essential for night vision
- Flavonoids decrease capillary fragility and permeability, reducing hemorrhage and improving peripheral blood flow
- Tannins improve tone on the venous side of circulation
- Antiplatelet activity may depend on increased cAMP concentration or decreased platelet thromboxane

Sources: McIntyre - Complete Herbal Tutor; Chevallier - Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine; Wood - Earthwise Herbal; Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Stewart - Herbs To Treat Diabetes

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Fresh or dried berries, standardized extract
- Amount: 20-60 g dried fruit per day (traditional); 80-160 mg anthocyanins from standardized extract
- Frequency: Divided into 1-2 doses daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Standardized extract (25% anthocyanosides)
- Amount: 240-480 mg standardized extract per day (providing 60-120 mg anthocyanins)
- Purpose: For eye conditions, vascular disorders, retinopathy
- Duration: Minimum 1 month for noticeable effects; longer-term use (8-12 months) studied for cataracts

Clinical Trial Dosages:
- Eye conditions: 160 mg anthocyanoside extract twice daily
- Varicose veins: 480 mg extract daily
- Cataracts: 180 mg extract + 100 mg vitamin E twice daily
- Dysmenorrhea: 320 mg anthocyanins daily
- Night vision: 240 mg anthocyanosides (effects noted within 2 hours)

Traditional Dosages:
- Fresh berries: 100-300 g daily; 1/2-1 cup
- Dried berries: 20-60 g daily; 12-24 g (PED); 1-1.5 tsp (7-10.5 g) as cold infusion
- Liquid extract (1:1): 3-6 ml per day; 20-40 ml per week
- Powder: 2-5 grams three times daily
- Syrup: Juice berries, warm, mix with equal part honey; 1 teaspoon twice daily

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Up to 600 mg standardized extract per day used in studies
- Warning threshold: Very high doses should be used cautiously due to potential antiplatelet effects

Bioavailability Notes:
- Anthocyanins are generally well-absorbed
- Fresh berries provide the highest anthocyanin content
- Standardized extracts ensure consistent anthocyanin delivery
- For serious eye conditions (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy), standardized preparations are preferred due to concentration

Sources: Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Easley & Horne - Modern Herbal Dispensatory; Gladstar - Herbs for Long-Lasting Health

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best time of day: Can be taken any time; for night vision support, take 2 hours before needed
- With food or on empty stomach: May be taken either way; with food if stomach sensitivity occurs
- Specific timing notes: For chronic conditions, consistency matters more than timing. For acute night vision needs, effects appear within 2 hours of ingestion.

Preparation Tips:
- Fresh berries can be eaten daily as food medicine
- Dried berries work well for diarrhea and can be chewed directly
- Traditional Scottish bilberry syrup: juice berries, warm gently, mix with equal part honey
- Bilberry jam and wine are traditional European preparations that retain medicinal value
- For eye conditions, standardized capsules/tablets ensure adequate anthocyanin dosing
- Powder can be added to smoothies or stirred into juice
- American blueberry can be used interchangeably when bilberry is unavailable

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Vitamin E - Combined with bilberry in cataract prevention studies; both are antioxidants | 100 mg vitamin E + 180 mg bilberry extract showed synergistic eye protection
2. Vitamin C - Both antioxidants; 3 grams vitamin C + 480 mg bilberry anthocyanin decreased platelet aggregation | Combine for cardiovascular and vascular support
3. Hawthorn - Both support cardiovascular and circulatory health | Combine for comprehensive vascular support
4. Cranberry/Uva Ursi - Fellow Vaccinium family members; bilberry's antiseptic and diuretic properties complement these | Combine for urinary tract support
5. Ginkgo biloba - Both improve peripheral circulation; research shows ginkgo works synergistically with bilberry to help block amyloid plaque formation | Combine for circulatory and cognitive support
6. Turmeric - Research indicates turmeric works synergistically with bilberry and ginkgo to help block amyloid plaque formation | Combine for cognitive protection
7. Lutein/Zeaxanthin - Fellow eye-supporting nutrients | Combine for comprehensive eye health formula
8. Grape seed extract - Similar anthocyanin-rich vascular support | May be used interchangeably or combined

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Other antiplatelet herbs at high doses (Ginkgo, Garlic, Ginger) - May have additive blood-thinning effects at very high doses | Use standard doses and monitor
2. High-dose vitamin E - May compound antiplatelet effects | Use moderate doses

Drug Interactions:
1. Anticoagulant medications (Warfarin, Heparin) - Very high doses of bilberry may inhibit platelet aggregation | Increased bleeding risk | Severity: Mild to Moderate - use standard doses with caution
2. Antiplatelet drugs (Aspirin, Clopidogrel/Plavix) - Potential additive effects at very high bilberry doses | Increased bleeding risk | Severity: Mild to Moderate
3. Diabetes medications (Metformin, Insulin) - Bilberry may lower blood sugar | Risk of hypoglycemia | Severity: Mild - monitor blood sugar

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions known

Important Notes:
- Interactions are primarily a concern at very high doses of standardized extracts
- Standard dietary consumption of berries and typical supplemental doses are generally safe
- Platelet inhibition was demonstrated at 173 mg/day anthocyanins for 30-60 days in healthy volunteers

Sources: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; WRCHM - Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interaction; DK - Herbal Remedies

Safety Information

Long-Term Use:
- Safety of prolonged use: Fruit preparations considered safe for long-term use; extensively consumed as food. No adverse effects expected from fruit preparations in pregnancy and lactation; traditionally used during pregnancy for hemorrhoids and venous disorders.
- Monitoring recommendations: If taking with blood-thinning medications, monitor for signs of increased bleeding. Very high doses of standardized tablets should be used cautiously in patients with hemorrhagic disorders.
- Leaf preparations: Use cautiously long-term; long-term use of bilberry leaves (not fruit) can potentially cause gastric irritation and kidney damage. Traditional leaf use is generally short-term for specific conditions.
- Side effects: A surveillance study reported mild side effects in a small percentage of patients affecting the gastrointestinal, cutaneous, or nervous systems. Generally very well tolerated. Very high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.
- Contraindications: Constipation, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), oxaluria, and hypersensitivity to bilberries or blueberries.
- Quality note: Important to distinguish between fruit (berry) preparations and leaf preparations. Fruit/berry preparations contain the beneficial anthocyanins. Leaf preparations lack anthocyanins and have different uses (primarily astringent/antiseptic). For eye and vascular conditions, ensure product contains anthocyanins (standardized fruit extracts).

Sources: Bone - Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs; Easley & Horne - Modern Herbal Dispensatory; DK - Herbal Remedies; Stewart - Herbs To Treat Diabetes

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Night vision, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, venous insufficiency, capillary fragility

Secondary: Raynaud's syndrome, peripheral circulation, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular protection, easy bruising

Sources

Local Library:
- Balch, Phyllis - Prescription for Herbal Healing: Cataracts study, diabetic retinopathy research, night vision studies, peptic ulcer animal studies, dysmenorrhea research, cardiovascular effects
- Barrett, Marilyn - Handbook of Clinically Tested Herbal Remedies: Clinical trial summary, product studies (Myrtocyan, Tegens), FAR-1 trial data, side effects documentation
- Bone, Kerry - A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Prescribing information, clinical indications with evidence grades, contraindications/interactions, dosage, pregnancy safety, clinical study reviews
- Brewer, Sarah - Encyclopedia of Vitamins: Traditional uses, varicose vein study, surgical bleeding reduction, mechanisms of action
- Bruton-Seal, Julie - Backyard Medicine: WWII pilot history, traditional European uses, preparation methods
- Chevallier, Andrew - Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: WWII history, key constituents, eye adaptation research, habitat and cultivation
- DK Publishing - Herbal Remedies: Key actions summary, safety ratings, combination suggestions
- Duke, James - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs: Comprehensive indications list, dosage ranges, Commission E approval data
- Easley & Horne - Modern Herbal Dispensatory: Properties, dosage forms, warnings
- Gladstar, Rosemary - Herbs for Long-Lasting Health: Blueberry/bilberry interchangeability, diabetes use, standardized extract guidance
- McIntyre, Anne - Complete Herbal Tutor: Comprehensive actions list, digestive uses, eye benefits, circulatory applications, reproductive uses
- Stewart, Rufus - Herbs To Treat Diabetes: Neomyrtillin glycoside, contraindications (constipation, kidney stones, oxaluria)
- Wood, Matthew - Earthwise Herbal: Historical context, WWII RAF connection, diabetes research history, mechanisms
- WRCHM - Western Materia Medica II: Etymology (Danish "bollebar"), interchangeable North American Vaccinium species
- WRCHM - Herb-Drug-Nutrient Interaction: Antiplatelet interaction details, drug interaction documentation

Other Sources:
- Better Nutrition 2020-02: Myopia study, blueberry interchangeability consensus
- Better Nutrition 2016-08: Ginkgo/turmeric/bilberry synergy for amyloid plaque

General Knowledge:
- Core Identification framework
- Traditional Uses historical context
- Active Compounds baseline chemistry
- Synergies framework
- General safety principles