Known commonly as Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus is a berry shrub native to Europe that is related to the blueberry, huckleberry, and bearberry plants that grow in the United States.

European herbalists have been using bilberry medically for hundreds of years. While bilberry can be used to treat many conditions, it is most known however for it's ability to treat problems affecting eyes and vision such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Bilberries contain high levels of flavonoids, which can be found particularly in citrus fruits and berries but are found in many fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and peas as well. These chemicals which are technically known as polyphenols have antioxidant and disease-fighting properties. These substances aid cells in resisting and repairing damage caused by free radicals.

The flavonoids found in bilberry can cause certain enzymes and substances in the eyes that play a major role in good vision and eye function to be increased. The main active ingredients in the bilberry flavanoids are called anthocyanosides. Research indicates that anthocyanosides help stabilize and protect a protein which is critical to veins, arteries, capillaries, and connective tissue called collagen. Studies also show that anthocyanosides can supply up to fifty times the antioxidant protection of vitamin E as well as 10 times the protection of vitamin C.

Many types of retinopathy include treatment with bilberry. It is also used to treat eye fatigue, nearsightedness and poor night vision. It can also be used to prevent conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.

Many experts recommend bilberry to treat varicose veins and atherosclerosis as it improves circulation and can lower cholesterol.

Some experts even recommend it to treat arthritis.

You can eat fresh bilberries just like blueberries however finding them outside of Europe is pretty rare.

You can also head over to your local health food store and pick up bilberry in supplement form as capsules or liquid extracts. Use a high-potency standardized formula that provides up to 25% anthocyanocides. You can take bilberry with food or on an empty stomach.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.