Bilberry

Bilberry is found in Poland, Ireland and other parts of Europe. It is very similar to blueberry and huckleberry. Bilberry is an odd herb with several specific but unrelated traits. Native Americans use it in a dry form to treat diabetes symptoms. In World War II, British pilots ate the berries of bilberry bushes to improve their night vision.

Does bilberry really affect vision?

Clinical studies show that bilberry positively affects vision, though recent studies by the US Navy show no effect on night vision. Besides stimulating visual acuity, it is used for glaucoma and seeing impairments resulting from diabetes.

Bilberry also stimulates circulation and helps get rid of varicose veins. It is also a traditional part of folk remedies for diarrhea and dysentery.

How can you take bilberry?

Bilberry is available as a pill and a liquid. The berries themselves can be consumed as well as the leaves of the plant.

To improve night vision only a small dose is needed. Sixty to 120 milligrams of bilberry extract will have this effect.

For bad vision or circulation up the dosage to 240 – 480 milligrams, three times a day. Usually these doses are taken orally, in pill or liquid form.

What are the risks of bilberry?

Bilberry carries the risk of toxicity. Dosages in excess of 480 milligrams may seriously complicate health. If your dosage exceeds 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, death may occur.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid bilberry. Anyone using blood thinners should not mix them with bilberry.

Care and caution.

Bilberries positive effects should be utilized in modest amounts. Long-term use is not advised because of possible toxicity. Not much is known about the harmful effects of bilberry. Look into the latest research before deciding how much bilberry is right for you.