Bilberry 

This fact sheet provides basic information about bilberry—common names, 

uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Bilberry is a 

relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is commonly used to make pies and jams. 

It has been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European medicine. 

Bilberry grows in North America, Europe, and northern Asia. 

Common Names— bilberry, European blueberry, whortleberry, huckleberry 

Latin Name—Vaccinium myrtillus 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy, and 

other conditions. 

•	 Today, the fruit is used to treat diarrhea, menstrual cramps, eye problems, 

varicose veins, venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do 

not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart), and other 

circulatory problems. 

•	 Bilberry leaf is used for entirely different conditions, including diabetes. 

How It Is Used 

The fruit of the bilberry plant can be eaten or made into extracts. Similarly, the 

leaves of the bilberry plant can be made into extracts or used to make teas. 

What the Science Says 

•	 Some claim that bilberry fruit improves night vision, but clinical studies 

have not shown this to be true. 

•	 There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of bilberry fruit or 

leaf for any health conditions. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Bilberry fruit is considered safe. However, high doses of bilberry leaf or leaf 

extract are considered unsafe due to possible toxic side effects. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative 

practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your 

health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. 
 

♦♦♦

Sources 

Bilberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 2, 

2007. 

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on 

June 28, 2007. 

Bilberry fruit. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:16-21. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

• What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

• Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus 

Bilberry Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-bilberry.html 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 


NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D312 

Created May 2006 

Updated April 2008 

*D312*