Bilberry Info

Bilberry is similar to blueberry fruit and it is used to make pies and jams. It is considered to be of a high medicinal value and for nearly 1,000 years it was used in traditional European medicine. It grows in North America, Northern Asia and throughout Europe and it is now being cultivated from Far East to United States. Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy and considered as a remedy for diabetes. Even today it is been suggested for treating kidney stones and for diabetic retinopathy.

The fruit of the bilberry plant can be eaten or made into extracts which can be used as jams. Similarly, the leaves of the bilberry plant can be made into extracts or used to make teas but over consumption of these may lead to side effects due to the toxic present in the leaves.

Health benefits of Bilberries

• The leaves and fruits of bilberries are considered to be of high medicinal value. They are used for improving eyes sight which includes treatment of night blindness too.


• It is suggested to people who have undergone cataract operation and it is also good for treating retinal disorders.


• As bilberry improves night vision, many pilots who work in Air Force take bilberry jams for proper eye sight during night times.


• Some take this fruit for proper blood flow in the veins and for treating atherosclerosis. It is also used in the treatment of varicose veins and chest pain.


• It contains chemicals like tannin which helps to improve diarrhea and inflammation of mouth and throat.


• It also helps in lowering the blood sugar and cholesterol level and the flavonoids present in them help in proper blood circulation and also treat diabetes.


• Other diseases like Chronic fatigue syndrome, hemorrhoids, diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, skin infections, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney diseases and urinary tract infections can be also be treated using this fruit.