Historically, the Bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhoea, scurvy and other conditions. Today, it is used as a traditional remedy for diarrhoea, eye problems, varicose veins, poor circulation and even cancer prevention.

Bilberries are closely related to blueberries, native to Europe. Also known as whortleberry, huckleberry, or European blueberries, bilberries are often eaten fresh or made into jam, juices, pies, powder, juice, or supplement form.

What Is Bilberry Used For?

Rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins and polyphenols, bilberries have been used for medicinal purposes ranging from eye conditions to diabetes. Bilberry is often touted as a remedy for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa.

As a source of antioxidants, bilberries are also thought to curb inflammation and protect against diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gingivitis, and age-related cognitive decline.

The anthocyanins in bilberry are said to reduce inflammation and stabilize tissues containing collagen such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Bilberry is said to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and is sometimes taken orally for varicose veins and haemorrhoids.

So far, very few studies have tested the health effects of bilberry. Still, there’s some evidence that it shows promise in the treatment of certain conditions.

Here’s a look at some findings from the available research:

Eye Fatigue

Bilberry shows promise in the treatment of eye fatigue, suggests a small study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging. In tests on 281 people who used video display terminals, researchers determined that treatment with bilberry extract may help improve both objective and subjective measures of eye fatigue.

Other Eye Conditions

Preliminary studies suggest that bilberry extract may play a possible role in the treatment of retinal disorders and other eye conditions. In studies on animals, for example, bilberry was found to protect retinal cells against degeneration.

Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)

Bilberry may help to control gum (gingival) inflammation in people with gingivitis, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Participants in the study consumed either 250 grams of bilberries, 500 grams of bilberries, or a placebo, or received standard care for seven days. The researchers concluded that 500 grams of bilberries resulted in a reduction of gum inflammation.

Always consult a medical practitioner before embarking on any program. The information on this page is not diagnostic, therefore always consult a herbal practitioner or your GP in order to obtain a diagnosis. Never stop taking prescribed treatment without consulting your GP or a qualified herbal practitioner. Do not take without qualified medical advice.

Grow Notes
Plant in full sun in cooler zones and partial sun with afternoon shade in warmer zones.

Growing to 0.1 – 0.5m high and 0.5 – 1m wide, they like moist but well–drained sand or loamy soils.

Grow at least two bushes to allow for cross-pollination.

Sow
Supplied as a dry fruit, each fruit contains many seeds. Keep the seeds in the fruit until you intend to plant them, once removed they need to be planted quickly. Soak overnight in room temperature water to soften the fruit and remove seeds for planting. Plant end of winter to Spring in mini greenhouses or cover pot with plastic to help create higher humidity conditions.

Do not cover seeds just press lightly onto the soil surface to ensure good contact.

Germination
2-4 months.

Maturity
Fruits within 1-2 years, maturity within 10–20 years. Vaccinium can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees depending on climate conditions.