Bilberry

Bilberry

As a deep blue fruit, bilberry contains high levels of anthocyanin pigments, which have been linked experimentally to lowered risk for several diseases, such as those of the heart and cardiovascular system, eyes, diabetes and cancer

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Bilberry mproves night vision and overall eye health. Bilberry has been widely known to herbalists since the 16th century.  This close relative of blueberries contains over 15 different naturally-occuring anthocyanosides (flavonoids) that contain beneficial antioxidant properties.

Bilberry Wild Bilberries

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Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus), also referred to as blueberry, is a potent standardized extract that contains 37% anthocyanosides, a bioflavonoid like substance that is the active constituent. In vitro studies have demonstrated that anthocyanosides have significant antioxidant activity. Bilberry has been a staple of European herbal therapy for hundreds of years and has become one of the most widely used herbs in the United States for supporting normal vision.

Bilberry Growing Bilberries

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Bilberry is also called Whortleberry, Huckleberry and European Blueberry. The blue-black berry is creamy white inside. Bilberries, a principal food of the grouse, are a staple of sweet European haute cuisine for sauces, glazes, mousses, syrups, chutneys, jams, jellies, cobblers, pies, cakes and tarts.

Here's a couple of simple Bilberry recipes: Bilberry Tart ½ lb pastry 2.2 lb bilberries 2 spoons sugar Line a pie-dish with the pastry. Fill with fruit. Bake in the oven and dust with sugar when cooked Bilberry Jam Soak and soften dried fruit, drain, crush in pan with wooden spoon, add juice of 1 lemon to each 2 lbs bilberries and simmer until soft. Add warmed sugar, 1½ lbs to each 2 lbs fruit. Boil to setting point. Pot and cover.

Medicinally, bilberry is used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Bilberry for 'Nonspecific, acute diarrhea. Local therapy of mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of mouth and throat.'

Duration of Administration: If diarrhea persists for more than 3 - 4 days, consult a physician. Action: Astringent.'

The dried berries and leaves have been recommended for scurvy, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and diarrhea.

Modern research on bilberry was kick-started by British World War II pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids.

The plant appears to assist the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye, in adjusting quickly to both dark and light. Research has shown that this is probably a result of the plant's anthocyanosides, which have antioxidant properties and appear to boost oxygen and blood delivery to the eye.

In one study of 50 patients with age-related cataracts, it was found that taking bilberry extract along with vitamin E supplements stopped the progression of cataracts in nearly all of the participants. The study did not, however, isolate the effects of the vitamin from the bilberry. But bilberry has also shown promise in the treatment of other eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and pigmentary retinitis, so bilberries and eyes seem to go together.

Anthocyanosides also appear to strengthen collagen, the protein that provides support to healthy connective tissue.

Anthocyanosides help larger blood vessels maintain good circulation throughout the body.

Bilberry Picked in London

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A 1988, single-blind, placebo-controlled study of this herb included 60 patients with poor circulation (venous insufficiency). The results showed that bilberry extract decreased the participants' discomfort when taken over a period of 30 days. Bilberry's astringent tannins help with diarrhea, sore throat, and inflammations in the mouth.

A cooled tea made from the dried berries can be either drunk or gargled for these purposes.

Bilberry is also strongly antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

Extracts of bilberry have proven antiviral in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza, and vaccinia viruses. Kills or inhibits the growth of funguses, yeasts, and bacteria. It also kills protozoans such as Trichomonas vaginalis.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The leaves can be used in the same way as those of Uva Ursi. The fruits are astringent, and are especially valuable in diarrhoea and dysentery, in the form of syrup.'

Bilberry Picked Bilberries

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Bilberry (European Blueberry) contains high levels of proanthocyanidin flavonoid compounds. These substances are also found in a number of other fruits and plants and help to maintain collagen connective tissue, blood vessel integrity, and visual purple.

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In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

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