Herbal Remedies – Bilberry

The reputation of the bilberry, as a healing herb, was reinforced by the Royal Air Force bomber pilots, during the second world war.  They found that there night vision was improved if the food they ate, prior to their night bombing raid contained bilberries.  Afterwards tests seemed to show that bilberry is a good antioxidant, that can protect cells in the eyes and elsewhere, from free radicals.

Researchers, encouraged by the RAF pilots claims, investigated further.  They found compounds known as anthocyanosides, which are thought to improve blood flow to blood vessels.in the eyes.  Such compounds, found in bilberries also help with collagen, that aids healthy connective tissue.

Bilberries have been used by European herbalists for a thousand years or more, as a treatment for numerous ailments, including kidney stones, diarrhoea, and urinary tract infections.  Bilberries also contain tannins, useful for treating sore throats, and mouth conditions.

The bilberry is also reputed to benefit people with poor circulation in the extremities, who suffer from haemorrhoids and varicose veins. Such ailments can respond to treatment with bilberry with its beneficial effect on circulation.

Bilberry, valuable as a food or supplement, is available in a variety of products, and in different forms such as, dried, tea, liquid and capsules.  It can be cultivated and harvested, but also seems to thrive in the wild, so as well as being freely available it is available for free, if you know where to look!

The fruit of the bilberry plant is similar to the American blueberry, and is related to cranberries and huckleberries.  Bilberry is frequently known as the European blueberry.  It is also popular for jam making and as a filling for bilberry fruit pies.