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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.
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.
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.
Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.
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.
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.
Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Herbs at a Glance. Bilbery. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/bilberry/
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