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
Common questions
What is Bilberry used for?
European blueberry for eye strain, blood sugar and gentle digestion. In traditional use the main applications are: Supports eye health and night vision; Helps steady post-meal blood sugar; Provides gentle astringent digestive support.
What is the typical dosage of Bilberry?
20-60 g dried fruit daily, or 80-160 mg extract twice daily. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Bilberry be taken?
Bilberry tea: Simmer 1 tbsp dried berries in water for 10 minutes. Timing — Morning
Are there any precautions with Bilberry?
Monitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medication Caution with blood-thinning medication Avoid high doses in pregnancy Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Bilberry replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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- Banyan BotanicalsUS organic Ayurvedic specialist
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