BILBERRY
Vaccinium myrtillus
COMMON NAMES: Huckleberry, whortleberry, hurrleberry.
FEATURES: Bilberry, any of the several species of shrubs belonging to the heath family Ericaceae, genus
Vaccinium. Some members are found in the cooler areas of both Eurasia and North America. One of the
principal species is V. myrtillus, known simply as bilberry, which is found in acid soil in forests, heaths,
rocky barrens, bog, and tundra.
The blueberrylike bilberry is an edible fruit growing in twos or threes at the base of the leaves instead
of in clusters terminating the branches as in true blueberries. The seeds resemble currants in appearance,
with a dark blue or black color. The leaves are obovate, about 1 inch long, upper surface dark green and
shiny. Depending on location, May through July is the flowering season for the reddish pink, white, or
purplish blossoms.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Leaves, berries.
SOLVENTS: Dilute alcohol, boiling water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Diuretic, refrigerant, astringent.
USES: The fresh berries are enjoyed by most as a cooling, healthful dessert. For medication out of season,
the dried berries have proven beneficial to cool feverish liver, and for stomach conditions; they are
arresting in vomiting and a useful agent for dropsy and gravel.
To make your own private stock, place 2–3 handfuls of bilberry in a bottle and pour a good brandy
over them. Secure with a tight-fitting cap or cork. The longer the tincture stays the more powerful a
medicine will this berry spirit be.
Violent, continuous diarrhea accompanied by great pain, sometimes with loss of blood, is stopped by
taking 1 tablespoonful of bilberry brandy in ¼ pint of water; may be repeated in 8–10 hours. For diarrhea,
dysentery, and derangements of the bowels, a decoction of the leaf tea will bring relief. Also as a gargle
for sore throat, and feminine hygiene for leukorrhea.
At one time bilberries were used in the treatment of scurvy in Norway and other northern countries.
DOSE: Of the leaves, 1 teaspoonful to 1 cup of boiling water. In The Herbalist, by J. E. Meyer: “A
mixture of equal parts of Bilberry leaves, Thyme, and Strawberry leaves makes an excellent tea.” Of the