Dried Herb & Tea

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

T Traditional use

EMA recognises dried bilberry as a traditional remedy for mild diarrhoea and minor mouth inflammation. Claims that it improves night vision are unproven.

DigestionRespiratory, Throat & Mouth
Bilberry
PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
⇄ Compare
On this page

At a glance

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small fruit of European forests that is purple inside as well. EMA recognises the traditional use of a decoction of the dried fruit for mild diarrhoea and minor inflammation inside the mouth. The claim that it improves night vision has not been confirmed in rigorous studies.

Parts used: fruit (dried, ripe)
Key constituents: Anthocyanins, Tannins (catechin tannins), Pectin

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    EMA recognises tea (decoction) made from dried bilberry fruit as a traditional herbal medicinal product for the symptomatic treatment of mild diarrhoea. This use is based on long-standing experience. [1]

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    EMA recognises a decoction of the dried fruit as a traditional mouth rinse for minor inflammation of the oral mucosa. [1]

How is it used?

Tea

For diarrhoea, chopped dried fruit is boiled in water and drunk as a tea. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days.

Amount: 15–60 g a day in total; 5–15 g in 250 ml of water, 3–4 times a day

Duration limit: 3 days

[1]

Gargle

For mouth inflammation, a decoction of the dried fruit is used as a mouth rinse. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week.

Amount: 20 g boiled in 200 ml of water, rinse several times a day

Duration limit: 1 week

[1]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 12 years

  • This use applies to dried fruit; EMA assesses fresh fruit separately.
  • Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of data; diarrhoea in children can cause fluid loss, so see a doctor.
  • EMA states that dried bilberry tea can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding; extracts and supplements above food amounts are poorly studied.
  • The leaves may be unsafe in high doses or with long use; this record covers the fruit only.
  • Seek medical help promptly if there is blood in the stool, high fever or marked fluid loss.
[1][2]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • No known side effects

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Does bilberry help with diarrhoea?

EMA recognises tea made from dried bilberry fruit as a traditional use for mild diarrhoea. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts more than 3 days or there is blood or fever.

Does bilberry improve night vision?

No. The most rigorous studies found it did not improve night vision in healthy people.

Is bilberry the same as blueberry?

No. Bilberry is Vaccinium myrtillus and is purple inside; most supermarket blueberries are North American Vaccinium corymbosum. The EMA assessment covers bilberry.

Can I drink bilberry tea while pregnant?

EMA states that dried bilberry tea can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety of high-dose extracts and supplements is poorly studied.

Does bilberry help with mouth sores?

EMA recognises rinsing with a decoction of the dried fruit as a traditional use for minor inflammation inside the mouth. See a doctor for sores lasting more than a week.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. European Union herbal monograph on Vaccinium myrtillus L., fructus siccusEMA HMPC · 2015 · MonographSource accessed:
  2. Bilberry: Usefulness and SafetyNIH NCCIH · 2024 · Official agency informationSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/bilberry/

Related guides and comparisons

Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea)

Dried Herb & Tea →
Artichoke Leaf – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Artichoke Leaf

B Limited clinical evidence

Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus)

Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease.

Digestion

Dried Herb & Tea