Bilberry
Bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus
European blueberry for eye strain, blood sugar and gentle digestion.
Bilberry shrub · Shrub · Parts: Fruit, Leaf
- Taste (rasa)
- Astringent, Sour, Sweet
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Pitta, Vata
What it is used for
Benefits
- Supports eye health and night vision
- Helps steady post-meal blood sugar
- Provides gentle astringent digestive support
How it has been used
Traditional uses & benefits
Bilberry is the European cousin of blueberry, used for eye strain, night vision and blood-sugar balance.
Traditional uses
- Eye fatigue and night vision support
- Post-meal blood sugar steadiness
- Gentle digestive and astringent action
Practical guidance
- 1Fresh or dried fruit is food; leaf is the more medicinal part.
- 2Monitor blood sugar if you take diabetes medication.
- 3Use short courses of leaf; long-term leaf use is not traditional.
How much
Dosage
20-60 g dried fruit daily, or 80-160 mg extract twice daily.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Bilberry tea
Simmer 1 tbsp dried berries in water for 10 minutes.
Morning
Eye-rest smoothie
Blend fresh or frozen bilberries with a little water.
Afternoon
Read this first
Precautions
- Monitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medication
- Caution with blood-thinning medication
- Avoid high doses in pregnancy
Where this comes from
Sources
Where to buy
Shop this remedy
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- Amazon USWidest choice, fast US delivery
- iHerbShips to US, UK and EU; third-party tested brands
- Banyan BotanicalsUS organic Ayurvedic specialist
If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.