Botanical Overview
Vaccinium myrtillus, commonly known as Bilberry, European blueberry, or Whortleberry, is a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. It grows primarily in Europe and Northern Asia. The medicinal parts most commonly used are the fruit and leaves.
Energetics
The plant exhibits cooling and moistening energetics with predominantly astringent, sweet, and sour tastes. It is tonifying in nature and primarily affects the blood according to traditional paradigms.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Hypoglycemic
- Vasoprotective
Indications
Western
- Venous insufficiency
- Diarrhea
- Retinopathy
- Varicose veins
- Inflammation
- Impaired night vision
- Type 2 diabetes
Syndromes
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Microangiopathy
TCM
Not established.
Ayurveda
Not established.
Unani
Not established.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemicals include anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Dried fruit 5-10 g daily
- Standardized bilberry extract providing 80-160 mg anthocyanins daily
- Infusions of bilberry leaves or fruit 2-4 g, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Bilberry is generally considered safe when consumed in dietary amounts. Large doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Potential interactions with anticoagulant and antidiabetic medications warrant monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Vaccinium myrtillus L. (Bilberry) – Simon G. Coulter (2010)
- Vaccinium myrtillus L., fructus – European Medicines Agency (2010)
- Bilberry – National Institutes of Health (2022)
- Clinical Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus on Blood Glucose and Retinopathy – X. Xu et al., 2018