What is the most important information I should know about bilberry?
Do not take
bilberry without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or
blood
clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent
blood clots; or if you are taking other
medications,
herbs,
antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Bilberry
may affect the time it takes for the blood to clot.
Bilberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of bilberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What is bilberry?
The use of bilberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Bilberry is also known as Vaccinium myrtillus, bog bilberries, blueberries (variety of), and
whortleberries.
Bilberry has been used most commonly for diarrhea and mild inflammation of the mouth and
throat. Other uses of bilberry have included kidney and urinary tract problems, arthritis, gout, skin
problems, and declining vision.
Bilberry has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of bilberry may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Bilberry may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take bilberry?
Do not take bilberry without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood
clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other
medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Bilberry
may affect the time it takes for the blood to clot.
Before taking bilberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Bilberry may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take bilberry without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether bilberry will harm an unborn baby.
Do not take bilberry without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether bilberry will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of bilberry by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
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