Vaccinium myrtillus

Bilberry

Bilberry is a perennial shrub native to Northern Europe, Northern America, and Canada. The plant produces a berry similar to the American Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), but the species myrtillus is more densely concentrated in the antioxidant pigments, and is a smaller fruit. There are other differences; Bilberries have dark blue, strongly fragrant flesh, while American blueberries have white, mildly fragrant flesh; the bilberries grow as single fruit on low bushes, usually wild in woods of the Northern Hemisphere, but American blueberries grow in a large bush with several fruit at once; Bilberries are generally wild plants while American blueberries can be cultivated. Both species have been used as both food and medicine traditionally throughout history.

Product Image

What is Bilberry Used For?

Since Bilberries are more fragrant, and have more concentrated flavor and vitamins (like all more natural wild fruit varieties), they are especially well suited for making syrups and Bilberry wine. Bilberry contains a group of antioxidants called anthocyanosides. Over 15 different anthocyanosides have been identified in Bilberry. The research on these constituents has focused on their potential ability to protect tissue integrity within the eyes from normal age-related oxidative stress and to promote healthy visual acuity. They are also known to promote the health of capillaries and collagen structures. The use of this food to help support healthy circulation through the nutrient support they provide to the vascular system, veins and arteries is also well noted in the literature.

View Important Precautions

Product Image

Traditional Health Benefits of Bilberry

Heart Support Heart Support Vision Support Vision Support
Highlights

What is Bilberry Used For?

Since Bilberries are more fragrant, and have more concentrated flavor and vitamins (like all more natural wild fruit varieties), they are especially well suited for making syrups and Bilberry wine. Bilberry contains a group of antioxidants called anthocyanosides. Over 15 different anthocyanosides have been identified in Bilberry. The research on these constituents has focused on their potential ability to protect tissue integrity within the eyes from normal age-related oxidative stress and to promote healthy visual acuity. They are also known to promote the health of capillaries and collagen structures. The use of this food to help support healthy circulation through the nutrient support they provide to the vascular system, veins and arteries is also well noted in the literature.

View Important Precautions

Traditional Health Benefits of Bilberry

Heart Support Heart Support Vision Support Vision Support

Products Featuring Bilberry

Shop All Products
Active Constituents of Bilberry
Anthocyanosides (up to 25%) and Lutein
Parts Used
Berry
Additional Resources
Karlsen A, Paur I, Bøhn SK,et al. Bilberry juice modulates plasma concentration of NF-kappaB related inflammatory markers in subjects at increased risk of CVD. Eur J Nutr. 2010 Sep;49(6):345-55. Koli R, Erlund I, Jula A, Marniemi J, Mattila P, Alfthan G. Bioavailability of various polyphenols from a diet containing moderate amounts of berries. J Agric Food Chem. 2010 Apr 14;58(7):3927-32. PubMed PMID: 20073463. Kramer JH. Surv Ophthalmol. 2004 Nov-Dec;49(6):618; author reply 618. PubMed PMID: 15530951.
Important Precautions
If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

More Herbs to Discover

Our Herbal Reference Guide lets you enhance your relationship with herbs by giving you a comprehensive profile of each plant.

English Ivy

English Ivy
African Geranium

African Geranium
Turkey Tail

Turkey Tail
Turmeric

Turmeric
Black Elderberry

Black Elderberry
Holy Basil

Holy Basil
Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha
Oregano

Oregano
Chaste Tree

Chaste Tree
Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea Purpurea
Kava

Kava
Passionflower

Passionflower
Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle
Rhodiola

Rhodiola
Olive

Olive
Maca

Maca
Astragalus

Astragalus
Horny Goat Weed

Horny Goat Weed
Hawthorn

Hawthorn
Burdock

Burdock
Acacia

Acacia
Açaí

Açaí
Acerola

Acerola
Agave

Agave
View All Herbs