Bilberry









Bilberry


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Bilberry is used for its antioxidant properties in individuals with eye disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and night blindness. It is also used in individuals with circulation problems (primarily in the lower extremities) and for diarrhea.
How does it work?
Bilberry berries contain chemicals that appear to strengthen the capillaries and improve circulation. Bilberry also appears to reduce the number of chemicals responsible for causing damage to certain cells, thereby exerting a protective (antioxidant) effect.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications and natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Use caution if you have diabetes. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Keep hard candies, liquid glucose, or milk on hand for low blood sugars.
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
None known.
What should I monitor?
  • Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.
  • Watch for low blood sugar. This can cause anger, shaking, rapid heartbeats, confusion, and sweating.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Berry, leaf
Dosage forms
Oral, topical
Drug interactions
The effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemics may be altered.
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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