Bilberry’ scientific name is Caccinium myrtillus. It is a heath plant, closely related to the blueberry. Bilberry plants grow along mountain ranges in the northern and southern hemispheres where the climate is cool and temperate. The small shrub bears white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers that hang beneath the new leaves and soon after, blue-black berries appear.
The anthocyanins of the bilberry leaf are anti-aging substances. These bitter compounds increase blood circulation to blood vessels in the extremities including the brain. They also reduce inflammation and pain, and relieve muscle spasms. Bilberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in Europe. Bilberry fruit contains tannins. It may help with the treatment of diarrhea, sore throat, and mouth inflammations.
Extracts from a bulk dried herb like Bilberry strengthen the capillaries and other small blood vessels. In fact, some people call bilberry the circulatory microplumber. Of course, this means it helps treat varicose veins in the legs. In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
Bilberry is also anticancer. Antioxidation, anticarcinogensis, and apoptosis induction of tumor cells all help to reduce the risk of cancer. The bilberry leaf also inhibits the growth of certain human leukemia cells.
Bilberry’s ability to increase circulation also affects vision, another very popular anti-aging effect. In fact, bilberry was first studied because of its help with poor night vision. A single dose improved night vision noticeably. Regular use of bilberry improved visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day, and resulted in quicker adjustment to darkness and glare. In treating glaucoma bilberry strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage.
On a short term basis bilberry is used to treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar level. Extended use does not damage the circulatory system.
Bilberry fruits are used as both a food and a medicine. Some use it simply as a flavoring. Berries are also used in jams, pies, cobblers, and cakes. Bilberry leaf can be added to meat dishes, salads, soups, and stews. One recipe for bilberry jam looks like this: combine 3 lb. of bilberry fruit with 1.5 lb of sugar and 1 cup of water. Boil for 40 minutes. A safe medicinal dosage of bilberry leaf is usually from 160 to 320 mg of extract.
There are a few cautions. Bilberry can be overdosed; the side effects can be serious in some people. Because of bilberry’s anti-platelet activity, it may interact with NSAIDs, particularly aspirin. Some experience diarrhea after excessive amounts of bilberry juice but this is not common. Other side effects may include skin rashes, mild digestive distress, or drowsiness. High doses of bilberry leaf can be poisonous, so be careful to maintain the suggested dosage above. Also, be sure to store bilberry in a cool, dark place, and preferably refrigerate or freeze the leaves.
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