Bilberry Fruit

Vaccinium myrtillus

Reference	HPTBILF
Part of plant	Fruit
Country of Origin	France

Applications
Bilberry has calming and astringent properties which have been used historically in improving the circulation. The plant is notable for its positive effect on night vision and eye disorders related to poor circulation such as retinopathy. Bilberry is thought to have astringent, antihistamine, and have anti-microbial and anti-diarrhoeal properties. Bilberry may reduce capillary permeability, normalize capillary collagen thickness, inhibit platelet aggregation and stimulate the release of vasodilator prostaglandin.

How to Use
The tincture is generally recommended for the best bioavailability and for people with sensitive stomachs.
Shake before use. Take 3-5 drops in a glass of water or juice three times a day.
Bilberry can be taken with or without food.

Safety Data
Berries: May be used fresh or dried, however, fresh berries may cause stomach upset. In recommended amounts no side effets have been reported. No well known drug interractions.
Fresh berries may cause diarrhoea. Fresh or dried berries may irritate the intestines.
Advise your health care professional if you are Pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breast-feeding, and before giving this herb to a child. Possible interraction with warfarin and anti- platelet drugs in high doses.
Bilberry may also interfere with the absorption of iron.
NOTE
Tortue Rouge Tinctures are very potent and offer maximum bioavailability. This means that they are quickly and effectively absorbed by the body. Customers tell us that they find them more effective than tablets. You need just 3 to 5 drops 3 times a day as against 15 to 20 or even 30 to 40 drops of other brands. Our 20ml size is equivalent to approx 2 months supply. To experience the difference, try one of our trial sizes

About the Product
A close relative of the American blueberry, the Bilberry is a small deciduous shrub that grows in central and northern Europe, as well as North America and Asia. It is the ripe berries that are mainly used in modern herbal extracts.
Bilberry berry tincture is mainly used for acute non-specific diarrhoea and inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. It is also used for eye strain and is said to improve night vision although this is as yet clinically unproven. It is thought that Bilberry berry tincture may be helpful in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma due to its rich bioflavonoid content.
Both the leaves and the berries can be taken as a capsule, pill, tea, tincture, decoction or the berries chewed, stewed, or even made into a jam or pie.