{"id":280,"date":"2020-07-01T11:19:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T10:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=280"},"modified":"2026-02-12T11:53:53","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T11:53:53","slug":"bilberry","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/bilberry\/","title":{"rendered":"Bilberry"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":1448,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"03ca34cf-df8c-4eab-afc0-3babab79979f","beyondwords_preview_token":"6c3eece0-8992-4afb-8e0a-776dd4f4dedc","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[55,57,56,7,58],"conditions":[694,685,701,696],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[31,30,27],"western_action":[989,992,993,994,997,1000,1014,1015,1016,1017,1022],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1499,1382,1487,1496,1494,1492],"writer":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-280","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-bilberry","tag-circulation","tag-diabetes","tag-diet","tag-inflammation","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-astringent-taste","sense-sharp","sense-sweet","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-astringent","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-laxative","western_action-nervine","western_action-trophorestorative","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-sour","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20200701","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Bilberries are a rich source of protective polyphenols","latin_name":"Vaccinium myrtillus<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Ericaceae","herb_summary":"Bilberry is seen as one of the leading sources of anthocyanins, the blue-purple pigment found in fruit which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties","key_benefits":"Chronic inflammation\r\nBlood sugar problems\r\nImprove heart and circulatory functions\r\nImprove vision","how_does_it_feel":"Bilberries are similar to blueberries in their taste profile. The rich blue-purple colour of these berries, resulting from the anthocyanin constituents, is indicative of their health properties.\u00a0 Upon tasting, they are initially sharp or slightly tart, suggestive of the rich vitamin C content, followed by a sweeter flavour and an astringent action in the mouth, which denotes the presence of tannins in the berries. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":1454,"hdif_image_2":8236,"hdif_image_3":1385,"hdif_video":"","sense":[31,30,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_1448\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Bilberry Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBilberry is a traditional choice for supporting the microvasculature and improving peripheral circulation. It can be used as a long-term supplement for varicose veins, haemorrhoids, slow-healing bruises, and heavy painful legs resulting from poor circulation. In cases of Reynaud\u2019s syndrome, bilberry offers support for capillary fragility and spider veins. Bilberry may also be remedial for cardiovascular health complications, such as diabetes, <\/span>atherosclerosis<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> (1,2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBilberries are often prescribed to help manage insulin resistance metabolic syndrome, which is a key component in type 2 diabetes (3). The rich antioxidant content helps to reduce chronic inflammation and reduce oxidative stress often seen in obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (4).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the case of dietary supplementation, the rich fibre content of bilberries strengthens gut barrier function, modulates the gut microflora and contributes to a reduction in intestinal inflammation (5).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBilberry supports eye health through its effects on the microcirculation and can help to reduce eye fatigue, dryness and discomfort as well as contribute to a reduction in visual impairment (6). This action may be especially relevant to those who are regularly exposed to screens for long periods of time.\u00a0<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"Bilberries are cooling, astringing and nutritive with a strong affinity for the cardiovascular system. Their cooling action makes them useful in moving heat and inflammation present in many chronic diseases. The astringent properties help to tonify tissues and alleviate congestion.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBilberries are a rich source of polyphenols, offering protection from free radical damage and chronic inflammation, as well as improving tissue repair (1,5). Bilberries also contain phenolic acids, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (7). As bilberry acts directly on the capillaries, it helps to attenuate the inflammatory process within the capillary walls and protects them from free radical damage, helping to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis (8,9).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"Bilberry fruit has been used as an astringent healing remedy, topically for haemorrhoids and vaginal inflammations, and internally for diarrhoea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Described as an astringent and absorptive for a hot digestive tract, it was also commonly used to alleviate acute vomiting and general digestive upset. Topically, it was used as a mouthwash and gargle for inflammations and ulcerations of the mouth.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBilberry has a reputation for drying breast milk. The fruit has also been used to treat scurvy (well-justified by its constituents), and like its relative the cranberry, for urinary complaints. Bilberry was also used in Europe to colour wine and to dye wool (10).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"CardiovascularCardiovascular system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBilberry\u2019s anthocyanins help to reduce oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory processes within the vascular endothelium, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (10,11). Bilberry reduces total cholesterol and LDL whilst increasing HDL, helping to support dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis and reduce risk factors in chronic diseases (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs well as having shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, bilberry has an antihypertensive effect (4). For chronic venous insufficiency resulting in varicose veins or oedema in the extremities, bilberry is able to decrease vascular permeability and increase vascular tone (9).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese actions also contribute to supporting retinal health, visual acuity and eye health. It can be used to treat tired eyes, poor vision and protect against macular degeneration and cataracts (1,12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBilberry offers a neuroprotective effect, as a result of its high polyphenol and anthocyanin content, and protection from neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline (13). By improving capillary function and reducing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) bilberry offers protection to the brain from inflammation (13).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBilberry is also supportive in instances where there is damage to the nervous system due to hypertension and diabetes, which can manifest as retinopathy or retinal degeneration (1).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBilberry can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and as such may be used for support with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and <\/span>inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/a> (IBD). The tannin content also indicates it for the treatment of <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> and accompanying gastric discomfort or nausea (1,9).\u00a0 Due to the pectin content of the berries, they can also act as a bulk laxative.The fresh berries are considered best for laxative effects, and the dried for diarrhoea.<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_1454\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Bilberry Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Investigating the effects of Vaccinium myrtillus<\/i> supplementation on cardiometabolic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/h3>\r\nThis meta-analysis reviewed 11 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) involving 409 participants to assess the effect of bilberry supplementation on cardiometabolic health including lipid profiles, glycaemic control, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress and body composition. The trials included various bilberry supplementation for at least one week across a range of doses. The results found five trials showed a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels; three observed a reduction in HbA1c and five found a reduction in LDL cholesterol (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Efficacy and safety of anthocyanin-rich extract in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomised controlled trial<\/h3>\r\nThis RCT investigated the effect of an anthocyanin-rich extract (ACRE) made from bilberries on moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. The extract was given at a dose of between 800\u20131000 mg of anthocyanins daily, administered orally in equal doses three times daily. The patients were randomised, with 18 receiving ACRE and eight receiving placebo. The severity of UC was measured by Mayo scores of between 6\u201312. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe results showed 50% of the ACRE patients showed a reduction in three points on the Mayo score compared to 37.5% in the placebo group. Overall, 77.8% of the patients in the ACRE showed improved Mayo scores compared to placebo (62.5%). There were no major safety concerns noted, and side effects were rare. The trial concluded longer and larger trials are required to confirm the effects, but the results are promising (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

A 12-week-long intake of bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus<\/i> L.) improved objective findings of ciliary muscle contraction of the eye: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison trial<\/h3>\r\nThis trial was carried out to examine the effects of a long term standardised bilberry extract (SBE) on ciliary muscle contraction of the eye caused by visual display terminal tasks (VDT). There were a total of 109 participants who were randomised into SBE and placebo groups. They were administered 240 mg of either SBE or placebo once a day over the course of 12 weeks. Tests were carried out before and after VDT tasks at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. The results showed that values were significantly improved in the SBE group when compared to placebo. This study concluded that long term oral consumption of the SBE extract relieved tonic accommodation and reduced eye strain through allowing the ciliary muscle to relax (6).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"In World War II, RAF pilots ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision (15).","additional_information_right":{"illustration":265532},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Bilberry (<\/span>Vaccinium myrtillus<\/span><\/i>), is one of many members of the Ericaceae (heath) family, along with blueberries, cranberries and <\/span>bearberries<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Arctostaphylos uva-ursi<\/span><\/i>). It is particularly closely related to blueberries.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt grows as a low shrub on moorland and mountain ranges, approximately 30\u201340 cm high with erect, branched flowering stems. Its leaves start as a rose colour, they then turn yellow-green and eventually become a deep red in the autumn. The leaves are very small and \u2018leathery\u2019 to the touch and its flowers are a light pink colour and bell shaped, the fruit are a dark purple and similar in size and shape to a blueberry (18).<\/span>","common_names":"