Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus Family: Ericaceae

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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Bilberry is a small deciduous shrub found in barren fields and underbrush throughout central and northern Europe, northern Asia and North America.¹  It has bright green leaves, and greenish-pink, bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by bluish-black, round fruits.²  .

History and Cultural Significance

The name bilberry is derived from the Danish word bollebar, meaning dark berry.¹  The use of bilberry fruits as an herbal medicine emerged in the Middle Ages and was mentioned by Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), the first woman to write an herbal (a book about the uses of herbs), and the 16th century German herbalist, Hieronymos Bock. Strong decoctions (an extract made by steeping the plant material in boiling water) of dried bilberry fruit have been drunk traditionally to treat diarrhea. Bilberry preparations were also used historically to relieve scurvy (a disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency) and painful urination, and to help stop the flow of breast milk.³  

The German Commission E approved the internal use of bilberry to treat non-specific, acute diarrhea, and topical use for mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.¹  Elsewhere in Europe, particularly in Italy, bilberry fruit preparations are used for circulatory support.¹  

Modern Research

Bilberry had been studied for its potentially positive effects on various ocular and vascular conditions.⁴  It also has been evaluated for its possible effects on painful menstruation.⁵  

Future Outlook

Bilberry is currently commercially harvested in Europe, but not in North America.⁶  Some attempts are being made to commercially produce the crop in the Northwestern U.S.; however, most have been unsuccessful thus far.⁷  Large-scale efforts to grow bilberry are considered risky and are not recommended; small-scale trials are appropriate depending on the site.⁷