Bilberry - The Lion And The Light

Herb Review: Bilberry

(Vaccinium myrtillus)

By Clint Allsup

Published on: 16 DEC 2021

Bilberry is the most important single herb for lowering interocular pressure (IOP). During WWII the British gave pilots Bilberry to increase their night vision. I have used this herb for about 5 years and I plan on continuing to do so for the rest of my life. I believe this herb is best classed as one that most people should be on to preserve good vision as they age. Taking it will lower pressure in the eye and will also increase night vision and help reduce floaters or help stop the formation of new ones (if the floaters are caused by a pressure issue). To date no optometrist or ophthalmologist has ever recommended this herb to me despite the fact that it is the single best thing I have ever taken to improve my vision and eye health. It also helped reduce ocular migraines in me when coupled it with other anti-inflammatories, particularly MSM. This herb is closely related to blueberries and likely has some of the same antioxidant properties.

Some herbal products standardize the active agent (anthocyanins in the case of bilberry). In this getting more of the standardized agent seems to be slightly more beneficial but not necessary. I have noticed many bilberry products on the market work just as well as others whether standardization took place or not. Bilberry products are also often sold paired with other herbs that lower inflammation, like black elder berry or French maritime pine bark. These additional herbs may or may not increase the effect of the bilberry, I typically like testing out one herb at a time to see if it works (or how well, if there are side effects, etc) before adding additional herbs or supplements into the mix.

If you are experiencing eye issues or just want to improve your vision, it is almost certain that bilberry will help you considerably. It is also important to realize that these berries are basically just European blueberries and are just as safe.

Amount of Time I Have Personally Used This Herb

5 years and counting.

Verdict

An excellent herb that everyone should likely be on. If you are having trouble use a lot of it. If you just want to maximize your eye health take a smaller dose.

Primary Indication

Reduction of eye pressure/ocular migraines/eye inflammatory issues. May also help reduce glaucoma symptoms and cataract formation if caused by pressure.

Side Effects

I have taken this for years and never experienced any side effects. I would not use it if my interocular pressure was low, however.

Effectiveness

Very good, your eyes are worth the money.

Dosing

I take 1-2 caps of an 80mg product that is standardized to 20mg anthocyanins 3x a day with meals. 1 cap 3x a day for maintenance and 2 caps 3x a day if I feel I need extra support. Nowadays I do not, but if I was having trouble I would take a brand with an extract at the 2 caps 3x a day level.

If I was not experiencing any trouble, I would likely take a regular form (no extract) at 80mg 2x a day with a meal indefinitely.

Other Indications

To improve vision/night vision and to ensure healthier eyes long term.

Contraindications

None I am aware of.

Precautions

None specifically. Consult your doctor before starting any herb or supplement.

Interactions

None I am aware of.

Typical Cost

Very cheap for just a berry supplement. Standardized extract supplements are more expensive but worth it if you are having issues with your eyes.

About the Author

I spent years suffering from Lyme, coinfections, toxic mold and heavy metal poisoning. No Doctor ever solved any of these problems for me. Things became so bad that these aliments almost killed me, and worse, made my life so difficult to live that I had no choice but to find a way to fix them myself. Through research and courage I made myself better than I was before I got sick. Now I have made it my mission to help others who are suffering as I have. These plants, my research and my dedication to those I love are what I used to heal. Now I am stronger than I ever was before. My story can be found here and you can contact me here. We are all in this together. And together, we will win.

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