What Is Bilberry?

Bilberry is a plant that is closely related to blueberries, and indeed tastes and looks very similar, the leaves being no exception. The leaves are used medicinally, and the berries can be eaten as a food.

How to Use Bilberry Leaf (Common Uses)

Taken internally as a tea, powder, capsules, or extract. The berries are also commonly used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Bilberry Leaf

Bilberry is most well-known for the beneficial effect that it can have on vision. Often indicated for poor vision, retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration, as well as retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and night blindness. Bilberry leaf is sometimes also used for the prevention of glaucoma. It is extremely high in antioxidants, and so can be used for various types of inflammation, including that related to arthritis. The leaves have an astringent and protective effect on the veins, and bilberry leaf is often compared to uva ursi in this regard. It can be potentially beneficial for venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and many other types of capillary fragility.

Active Constituents in Bilberry Leaf

Flavonoids, anthocyanosides, tannin, polyphenols, vitamins B1 and C, beta carotene.