Bilberry

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What does Bilberry do?

Bilberry berries are used primarily for acute non-specific diarrhea and inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. There are also reports of their usage in the treatment of eye strain and night vision however this is as yet clinically unproven. It is thought that Bilberry berries may be helpful in the treatment cataracts and glaucoma due to its rich bioflavonoid content. Externally, the berries can be used for mild inflammation, varicose veins, and dermatitis. Bilberry leaves have been used primarily for complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and urinary tract, arthritis, gout, and dermatitis. It has been considered helpful as a supplement in the prevention and treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It is sometimes used as an astringent in rinses and lavages. Traditionally, the leaves have also been used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, p.o. circulation, functional heart problems, and metabolic stimulation and blood purification. It should be noted that according to the Commission E monograph "applications associated with the use of the bilberry leaf have not been clinically proven and are not therefor justified given the risks involved." Both the leaves and the berries can be taken as a capsule, pill, tea, tincture, decoction or the berries chewed, stewed, or even made into a jam or pie.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Bilberry?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Bilberry usage may be contraindicated: Anemia (may interfere with iron absorption)

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Bilberry?

Pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Breast-feeding If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

How should I take this herb?

Berries: May be used fresh or dried however fresh berries may cause stomach upset. Take Bilberry capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. The berries also may be chewed. Pressed juice from the berries may also be used for throat and mouth infections. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take a medicinal herb as a tea, tincture, or infusion. You can take Bilberry with or without food. Note: In treating diarrhea, if the condition continues for longer than 3-4 days alert your physician. Leaves:  May be used fresh or dried. Take Bilberry capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Bilberry leaves as a tea, tincture, or infusion. You can take Bilberry leaves with or without food. Warning: do not overdose or take over a long period of time.

What should the dosage be?

Berries: 20 to 60 grams a day taken as an infusion or other galenic preperation. i.e.: infusion = 5 to 10 grams of mashed drug in cold water then simmered for 10 minutes, strained should create an infusion which would deliver a solution where 1 teaspoon equals 4 g of the drug. Decoction of 1-cup water with 1 tsp dried berries, simmer covered 10-15 minutes, Drink cold one to two cups daily. External: a 10% decoction or equivalent preparation. Leaves: A tea may be made of 2-3 tsp leaves per one-cup water that can be taken once daily.

What side effects may I notice from taking Bilberry?

Side effects from correctly administered Bilberry usage are not common. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Berries: unknown to date Leaves: High or long term dosages may be extremely toxic. Overdose (as observed in animal studies) can cause the following: poisoning, cachexia, anemia, and icterus. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Berries: The fresh berries may cause diarrhea; Fresh or dried berries may irritate the intestines. Leaves - Gastrointestinal irritation including diarrhea.

What do I need to watch out for with Bilberry?

Read labels carefully before purchasing. There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Using the herb fresh or dried, or buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts. Care should be given that the herb Vaccinium uliginosum (Bog Berry) is not mistaken for Bilberry.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Bilberry?

Bilberry is a small deciduous shrub that grows in central and northern Europe, as well as North America and Asia. It likes to grow in an acidic, humus rich soil. It can be found growing in woods, heaths, or on the moors. It has a creeping rhizome and numerous erect leafy-branched green and angled stems. Its bright green leaves are oval or ovate, alternate, and shortly staked with finely serrated edges. It has pitcher shaped pink or greenish pink flowers and the fruit is a bluish/black berry.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Bilberry is thought to act as an astringent, antihistamine, and have anti-microbial and anti-diarrheal properties. Bilberry seems to reduce capillary permeability, normalize capillary collagen thickness, inhibit platelet aggregation, and stimulate release of vasodilator prostaglandin. It may counteract against the enzyme hyaluronidase that microbes produce to penetrate tissues and cause infection. It's high bioflavonoid and chromium content may be responsible its antidiabetic effects.

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