All about Bilberry

Bilberry is a shrubby perennial that grows mostly in the forests of Europe, where it is a medically respected and frequently recommended herbal remedy for a wide variety of eye disorders. The active constituents that comprise this herbal extract are called anthocyanosides, which are flavonoids that harbor powerful antioxidant properties.

Bilberry’s strong antioxidant composition makes it an excellent free radical scavenger, which helps counteract cell damage that leads to premature aging and disease. Its most noted benefit, however, is its ability to treat a myriad of problems related to eye health.

For example, it supports and protects collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, promoting healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients -- such as oxygen-rich blood -- to eye muscles and nerves. Studies have shown it to be useful for protecting against macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, night blindness, and just generally poor or fading vision. Clinical studies have even confirmed that if given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people.

Other benefits include treating menstrual cramps and alleviating stomach ulcers. Varicose veins, thrombosis, angina, and poor circulation may also be improved due to bilberry’s strong vascular action (helping blood flow).

Lastly, bilberry contains a substance called glucoquinine, which has the ability to lower blood sugar levels and its antioxidant, anthocyanin, can reduce high blood pressure.

Side Effects of Bilberry

There are no known adverse interactions with prescription drugs, nor have any harmful effects been noted in the literature to the best of our knowledge.

As always, however, exercise commonsense: if you notice any unwanted side effects, discontinue usage, or reduce your dosage level. And always consult with a physician before beginning supplementation.

The evidence for bilberry’s efficacy is long, varied, and substantial when it comes to treating eye disorders and maintaining clear vision. However, many of its more recent beneficial discoveries need further study to validate the preliminary findings. Among these are bilberry’s purported benefits for menstrual cramps and stomach ulcers.

Because of its numerous documented benefits, along with an almost total scarcity of known adverse side effects, we believe it is a supplement well worth checking out especially since there is a lack of side effects of bilberry -- unlike for many other herbs. Dosage ranges from 20 mg up to 160 mg. People who are in general good health should take lower dosage levels, and maintain long term use, whereas those with specific conditions —- such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. -- may wish to consume levels in the upper ranges.

Total Balance contains bilberry and numerous other healthy nutrients....and we take it everyday for optimal health.

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