Bilberry (Huckleberry) Has Many Uses
Bilberry fruit comes from a small shrub-like plant of the same name.The plant can be found in North America, Northern Asia, and Europe. It is a relative of the blueberry and is also known as huckleberry. The fruit ofthe plant is commonly used as a food source. Bilberry fruit has been used in European medicine for centuries to treat ailments such as diarrhea,scurvy, cough, and liver disease. It is currently used to treat diarrhea, menstrual cramps, varicose veins, eye problems, and impaired circulation. It has also been used topically to treat skin inflammation. Bilberrycontains anthocyanosides which are believed to be responsible for bilberry’s activity.
Some laboratory studies show that bilberry fruit may prevent certain types of cancers. For example, research is currently underway to evaluate the ability of bilberry fruit to prevent liver cancer. There are few, if any, reports of side effects due to bilberry. However, bilberry may have additive blood thinning activity when taken with the prescription medication warfarin. Persons taking warfarin should discuss bilberry use with their health care provider.