Bilberry is related to the Blueberry plant, in that both come from the Latin plant genus Vaccinium. Bilberry’s full Latin botanical name is Vaccinium myrtillus. Bilberry goes by several common names, including myrtle blueberry, whinberry, blaeberry and whortleberry. Like blueberries, Bilberries can be eaten, and their fruit is round, sweet and blue-colored like the blueberry, but they are smaller in circumference. The fruit makes wonderful jam and pie filling. They are commonly found in cold Northern countries including Norway, Iceland, and Britain, as well as Northern Asia and Macedonia.
Bilberry is available in several different forms. Bilberry is commonly sold as bilberries whole, bilberry capsules, and bilberry leaf. The bilberry leaf is available in three forms: cut and sifted, powdered and in capsules. Organic bilberry leaf is also available.
Bilberry leaf has had several common uses in folk medicine, including treatment of the intestines. In studies done on rats, bilberries whole was used to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. However, a full scientific study on humans has not yet been conducted. Anthocyanin pigments are abundantly found in bilberries extract and bilberry capsules. Anthocyanins are antioxidants, which help to keep cells in the human body from oxidizing and becoming damaged. As an herb containing antioxidants, bilberry capsules may help to reduce the risk for heart complications and cancer. The leaves, which go into bilberry capsules, may help as an antiseptic, may also help as an astringent, may help with kidney problems and to increase urine flow. Bilberries may also be made into a tonic to generally and slowly improve health. The leaves of the bilberry can also be used as a fabric dye, giving the fabric a green tint.
Organic bilberries have been specially grown and processed in order to achieve organic certification by the United States Department of Agriculture. The plants that reach the standard of organic must not be grown with any synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers; neither must either of these be used on the land on which the crop is grown. Certain bilberry products are also available that have been certified kosher.
Online herb stores stock a wide variety of medicinal herbs, including bilberry, and other types of herbs. You will find dried herbs and spices perfect for cooking up dishes in a variety of cuisines. Dried herbs also can be used in personal care products such as cosmetics and body lotions. Herbal extracts and essential oils are often added to laundry soaps and rinses to impart wonderful fragrance.
One should always take care when contemplating medicinal herbs. No herbs have been thoroughly evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and thus cannot be considered medicine by FDA standards. If you have a health concern, seek the advice of your health care provider right away.
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