Bilberry fruit has been used in traditional European medicine for nearly one thousand years. Due to its tannin content, it is used internally to treat acute diarrhea, particularly in children, and externally to treat mild inflammation of oral mucous membranes. Bilberry is used as a component in a few astringent tea preparations. Fruit preparations are used to treat microcirculatory disorders, which include varicose veins, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, and degenerative retinal conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Possible mechanisms of action for its effects on ophthalmic conditions include its ability to protect against the breakdown of rhodopsin (retinal purple), a light sensitive pigment located in the rods of the retina, and its ability to regenerate rhodopsin. It may also provide vasoprotection by decreasing capillary fragility and permeability.
Several human clinical studies have been found in the literature investigating possible new uses for bilberry, particularly visual dysfunctions, including those caused by impaired microcirculation and diabetes mellitus. Bilberry fruit preparations have been investigated for their effects on vision acuity in dim light, on patients with pigmentary retinitis when taken with beta-carotene, on night vision in normal subjects, on patients with diabetic retinopathy when taken in combination with beta-carotene, on patients with significant hemeralopia (diminished vision in bright light), on patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal inflammation, or retinitis pigmentosa, and on patients with progressive myopia. Additional studies also investigated bilberry's effects on the progression of cataract formation in patients.
Bilberry fruit extracts may offer relief for vascular disorders including capillary weakness, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids. It is also used as a secondary treatment for spasmodic colitis. Bilberry fruit contains high concentrations of tannins, substances that act as both an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. The latter quality in particular may help wounds heal more quickly. Bilberry is believed to help people with diarrhea by reducing the intestinal inflammation associated with the condition.
A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry fruits contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. This means that they scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals and have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and an eye disorder called macular degeneration (a disease of the retina that can lead to blindness).
Anthocyanidins found in bilberry fruits may also be useful for people with vision problems. During World War II, British fighter pilots reported that bilberries improved their nighttime vision and helped them quickly adjust to darkness. Today, it is believed that anthocyanidins may help protect the retina, the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye and sends nerve impulses to the visual areas of the brain. Studies conducted suggest that the anthocyanidins contained in bilberry fruit preparations improve symptoms of a variety of visual disturbances including nearsightedness, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
The anthocyanidins of bilberry have considerable pharmacologic activity. They are especially used as anti-aging substances. These bitter compounds inhibit collagen destruction, scavenger free radicals, reduce capillary permeability, increase bloods circulation to peripheral blood vessels and the brain, reduce inflammation and pain and relieve muscle spasms. It is one of the most popular over-the-counter drugs in Europe.
It is so effective that a single dose it said to improve one’s night vision within hours.
It has traditionally been used to treat poor night vision, bruising, capillary fragility, varicose veins, poor circulation, Raynaud’s disease, circulation complications due to diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and periodontal disease.
This herb is becoming more important to the aging populations of the world. This fruit and its extracts have marvelous anti-aging properties. Bilberry was first studied for its effects on poor night vision. Indeed, regular use of the fruit results in quicker adjustment to darkness and glare and improved visual acuity both at night and in bright light during the day. Bilberry may be useful in the prevention and treatment of glaucoma since it strengthens connective tissue and prevents free radical damage.
In the control of diabetes short term, one’s blood sugar is lowered and long term, one’s circulatory system is preserved. Connective tissue is not destroyed and capillaries function more normally.
In other chronic degenerative diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation and pain are reduced while damage to connective tissue is kept to a minimum.
This is an important fruit to add to one’s daily diet. Blueberries and black currant fruit may also be as useful as bilberry but not yet as popular for their medicinal properties.
Uses: Bilberries are a dried fruit you'll want to keep handy in your cupboards to use in small quantities often. Though it is less juicy than most dried berries, we add Bilberries to many food recipes as we would any other dried fruit (hot cereals, sauces, some rice dishes, meat dishes, vegetable dishes, stir-fry, waffles and pancakes, etc.). Of course, they make a great addition to just about any tea recipe. They can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. They can be used as often as you would like.
Voice of Experience: When a more plump and juicy dried berry is desired, we soak (reconstitute) these Bilberries in water over night. Of course, any liquid of choice could be used in place of water.
Storage: Bilberries should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is great, but not necessary.
Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.