Also called Whortleberry, Huckleberry and European Blueberry.

Medicinally, bilberry is used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Bilberry for 'Nonspecific, acute diarrhea. Local therapy of mild inflammation of the mucous membranes of mouth and throat.'

'Dosage: Internal: Daily dosage 20 - 60 g. External: 10 percent decoction; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Dried drug for infusions, as well as other galenical preparations for internal use and local application. Duration of Administration: If diarrhea persists for more than 3 - 4 days, consult a physician. Action: Astringent.'

The dried berries and leaves have been recommended for scurvy, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and diarrhea.

Modern research on bilberry was kick-started by British World War II pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids. The plant appears to assist the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye, in adjusting quickly to both dark and light.

Research has shown that this is probably a result of the plant's anthocyanosides, which have antioxidant properties and appear to boost oxygen and blood delivery to the eye.

In one study of 50 patients with age-related cataracts, it was found that taking bilberry extract along with vitamin E supplements stopped the progression of cataracts in nearly all of the participants. The study did not, however, isolate the effects of the vitamin from the bilberry. But bilberry has also shown promise in the treatment of other eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and pigmentary retinitis, so bilberries and eyes seem to go together.

Anthocyanosides also appear to strengthen collagen, the protein that provides support to healthy connective tissue. Anthocyanosides help larger blood vessels maintain good circulation throughout the body. A 1988, single-blind, placebo-controlled study of this herb included 60 patients with poor circulation (venous insufficiency). The results showed that bilberry extract decreased the participants' discomfort when taken over a period of 30 days.

Bilberry's astringent tannins help with diarrhea, sore throat, and inflammations in the mouth. A cooled tea made from the dried berries can be either drunk or gargled for these purposes.

Bilberry is also strongly antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. Extracts of bilberry have proven antiviral in cell culture for herpes simplex virus II, influenza, and vaccinia viruses. Kills or inhibits the growth of funguses, yeasts, and bacteria. It also kills protozoans such as Trichomonas vaginalis.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'The leaves can be used in the same way as those of Uva Ursi. The fruits are astringent, and are especially valuable in diarrhoea and dysentery, in the form of syrup.'

'The ancients used them largely, and Dioscorides spoke highly of them. They are also used for discharges, and as antigalactagogues.'

'A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root may be used as a local application to ulcers, and in ulceration of the mouth and throat.'

'The fruit is helpful in scurvy and urinary complaints, and when bruised with the roots and steeped in gin has diuretic properties valuable in dropsy and gravel. A tea made of the leaves is also a remedy for diabetes if taken for a prolonged period.'

'Dosages: Of powder of the berries, 4 grammes. Of syrup, 60 grammes to a litre of water. Of fluid extract, ½ to 2 drachms.'

King's 1898 Dispensatory: [of the closley related American Whortleberry, Vaccinium frondosum] 'Diuretic and astringent. The fruit is very useful, eaten alone, with milk or sugar, in scurvy, dysentery, and derangements of the urinary organs. The berries and roots, bruised and steeped in gin, form an excellent diuretic, which has proved of much benefit in dropsy and gravel. A decoction of the leaves or bark of the root is astringent, and may be used in diarrhoea, or as a local application to ulcers, leucorrhoea, and ulcerations of the mouth and throat.'