Bilberry

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about bilberry—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—bilberry, European blueberry,

whortleberry, huckleberry

Latin Name—Vaccinium myrtillus

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. Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat 

diarrhea, scurvy, and other conditions. Today, the fruit is used as a folk 

or traditional remedy for 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.

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 when consumed in amounts 

typically found in foods, or as an extract in recommended doses for 

brief periods of time. Long-term safety and side effects have not 

been extensively studied.

• High doses or extended use of bilberry leaf or leaf extract are 

considered unsafe due to possible toxic side effects.
• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Bilberry. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on August 13, 2009.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on August 13, 2009.

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 Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

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

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

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/202.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 2012