32601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 13:52
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Bilberry

  • Botanical Name

    Vaccinium myrtillus

  • Part Used

    Fruit

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    50%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

Bilberry is known as a remedy for improving eyesight. It has also been used to treat diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis and haemorrhoids and externally for inflammation of the mouth and mucous membranes. Some research also suggests that it is useful in venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disorders (such as Raynaud's syndrome) and capillary fragility.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Bilberry and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bilberry has been used as food for centuries due to its high nutritive value. Bilberry’s history of medicinal use dates back to the Middle Ages but it did not become widely known to herbalists until the 16th century when its use was documented for treating bladder stones, biliary disorders, scurvy, coughs and lung tuberculosis.

  • Actions

    Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, hypoglycaemic, antiplatelet, vasoprotective, antiulcer, antidiarrhoeal, cytoprotective, apoptosis inducing.

  • Indications

    •    Chronic venous insufficiency, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, peripheral vascular disorders (such as Raynaud's syndrome) and capillary fragility
    •    Impaired night vision, retinopathy (diabetic and vascular), glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration
    •    Fibrocystic breast disorder, dysmenorrhoea
    •    Cancer prevention, adjunct to chemotherapy
    •    Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders
    •    Diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis
    •    Inflammatory disorders
    •    Externally for inflammation of the mouth and mucous membranes 

  • Energetics

    Cold, dry

  • Use in Pregnancy

    A theoretical risk exists that high doses (>170 mg anthocyanidins) may increase bleeding risk, however this remains uncertain as there is inadequate clinical evidence. Use with caution in people with haemorrhagic disorders. 

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Likely to be safe when consumed in dietary amounts

  • Drug Interactions

    Monitor with antidiabetic drugs. Avoid use with topoisomerase chemotherapy drugs until safety can be established. Reduced absorption of iron is theoretically possible if taken at the same time because of the tannin content of the herb. Separate doses by two hours.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Pomegranate, Green Tea, Maritime Pine