BILBERRY

Latin Name: Vaccinium myrtillus

Alternate Names: Blueberry, Whortleberry, Dyeberry, Hurtleberry, Huckleberry, Grouseberry

Family: ERICACEAE 

Parts Used: Leaves, berries.

Properties: Alterative, Antiemetic, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Astringent, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Urinary Antiseptic.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Capillary Weakness, Cataracts, Diabetes, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Dysmenorrhea, Eye Weakness, Fever, Glaucoma, Gout, Macular Degeneration, Myopia, Night Blindness, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Varicose Veins, Vomiting

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Syrup (berries).

Use leaves for diabetes, and leaves and berries for diarrhea. The berries can improve the ability to focus. The berries help prevent the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. For visual problems, Bilberry increases circulation to the eyes and helps in a wide range of eye diseases. The berries can be especially helpful to computer workers, drivers, pilots, sports professionals and air traffic controllers. Bilberry fruit also improves circulation to the brain and extremities. It also reduces blood platelet aggregation. The berries are delicious and rich in carbohydrates, beta carotene, potassium and vitamin C. Use for hot inflamed conditions. 

Topical Applications: Leaves: mouthwash, gargle.

Culinary uses: Bilberries are wonderful plain, added to baked goods such as pies, tarts, cobblers, muffins and breads, or to ice cream. Cold Bilberry soup. Use as you would blueberries. 

Energetics: Sour, Cold, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Tannins, sugars, glucoquinone. Fruit contains pigments (anthocyanidin), flavonoids, glycoside (arbutin, myrtillin, ericolin), pectin, carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, iron.

Contraindications: Large amounts of the berries are laxative, although small amounts can be used to treat diarrhea. Avoid the berries in cases of cold stomach conditions. Considered very safe.

Comments: The genus name Vaccinium is from an ancient Latin name for the plant derived from vaca, meaning 'cow', as that animal enjoys eating the plant. Bilberry is a European version of American blueberries. They both have similar properties. During World War II, British Royal Air force pilots were given rations of Bilberry jam to improve their vision. 

The common name Bilberry also includes the species Vaccinum corymbosum, Vaccinum ashei, Vaccinum angustifolium, and other Vaccinum species, which are used interchangeably with Vaccinum myrtillus.