Family Name: Ericaceae
Botanical Name(s): Vaccinium Myrtillus
Popular Name(s): Black Whortleberry, Blueberry, Burren Myrle,
Dyeberry, Huckleberry, Hurleberry, Whinberry, Whortleberry, Wineberry
and Bilberry.
Parts Used: Ripe dried fruits are used.
Habitat: It grows in northern Europe, Canada and the United
States.
Description: Bilberry is a dwarf shrub, reaching 50 cm in
height, with thin ovate leaves. Flowers have ovoid petals, which are red
or pink and appear in spring. The herb bears berries as a fruit.
Uses: Bilberry fruit has astringent, anti-inflammatory,
anti-septic and powerful anti-oxidant properties and has been used for
scurvy as well as urinary infections and stones. The fruit can be used
with success to treat diarrhea, especially diarrhea in children. It is
used medicinally as an astringent in eye care products and is used
externally to treat wounds, sores and ulcers.
