| name: | Bilberry |
| also known as: | Bilberry Herbs; Dietary Supplement |
| also see: | Night Blindness; Cataract; Glaucoma; Macular Degeneration |
| description: | Bilberry is an herb that is thought to improve vision, especially night vision. During World War II, pilots who consumed bilberry noticed that their vision at night was better. Subsequently, bilberry is thought to improve such eye conditions as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. It appears to work by delivering more oxygen to the area. It is also thought to be effective in the treatment of angina, ischemic stroke, nonspecific diarrhea, menstrual cramps, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The dried berry has higher concentrations of tannins which possess anti-diarrhea properties. That is why the dried bilberry is superior to the fresh in treating diarrhea. |
| signs & symptoms: | No side effects known although prolong use especially in high doses can be fatal. |
| treatment: | Taken orally, either as the berry, or as a tea. Pill form is also commercially available. |
| prevention: | No contraindications to its use. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If you have questions, problems, or concerns regarding any medication |
| go to: | Go to the phone and ask your pharmacist or your doctor, or go to the doctor. |
Last updated 5/10/2008