Bilberry

Bilberry is the fruit of any one of a variety of bushes closely related to the blueberry and huckleberry but are usually not cultivated, rather are found wild. It is not uncommon in the United Kingdom and Europe to see a bilberry picker out in the marshes in late July harvesting these small, blue colored berries for jams, preserves and medicinal purposes. Bilberry plants and bilberries are found in acidic soil area in wet and swampy areas and are perennial, shrubs and low bushes, often growing quite closely together.

The benefits of bilberry as a medicinal component include improving vision and helping with night vision, enhancing capillary action for blood circulation, and the leaves can be used to treat and reduce digestive problems. Bilberry health benefits are focused on the high levels of antioxidants found in the fruit, that can also help with vision. Bilberry extract for eyesight was first used in World War II by the pilots in the Royal Air Force that had to fly night missions. They reported that eating bilberry jelly before flying helped them to see targets on the ground. The various bilberry studies have not duplicated this claim, but there is evidence of general improvement in many eye conditions. Bilberry and eye health research continues in many different laboratory studies with promising results.

Articles on bilberry, herb infusions and topical applications can be found on many sites on the internet. These studies include the use of bilberries and herbal treatments involving bilberry and diabetes. The leaves of the plant are used to help control blood sugar, and it is a very traditional remedy using herbs. Bilberry may be used in teas by crushing the dried fruit and boiling and straining. In addition bilberry extract can be purchased at many health food stores, or the leaves may be included in herbal teas that are pre-mixed or custom mixed. Alvita bilberry tea is one of the most popular commercially available bilberry teas on the market.

There are few danger of bilberry either in tea or extract formula providing the herbal compound is not taken for prolonged periods of time or in excessive dosages. Caution should be taken if diabetes medications or anticoagulants are being used as the herbal extract or tea can interact with prescribed or other herbal treatments for these conditions. Pregnant or nursing women should not use bilberry or any other herbal medications without first consulting with their doctor.