Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Botanical Description

  • Common Names: Bilberry, Whortleberry, Blaeberry (Scotland), Winberry (Wales)
  • Scientific Name: Vaccinium myrtillus
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Plant Type: Perennial, deciduous shrub, native to Europe
  • Habitat: Found in acidic woodlands, moorlands, and heathlands across the UK and Isle of Man

Appearance:

  • Small shrub, up to 60 cm tall
  • Delicate, toothed green leaves
  • Bell-shaped pinkish-white flowers in spring
  • Deep blue to black berries in late summer

Parts Used

  • Berries: Eaten fresh, dried, as extract or tincture (nutritional and medicinal)
  • Leaves: Used dried in infusions or extracts (mainly for urinary or blood sugar support)

Constituents (by plant part)

Berries:
  • Anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants)
  • Vitamins A, C, E
  • Tannins
  • Organic acids
  • Flavonoids
Leaves:
  • Arbutin (a urinary antiseptic)
  • Tannins (astringent)
  • Flavonoids
  • Hydroquinone derivatives

Equine Use (Horses)

Benefits:
  • Berries:
    • Antioxidant support for eye health and capillary strength
    • Useful for older horses or those in high work
  • Leaves:
    • Traditionally used to support blood sugar balance
    • Mild urinary antiseptic properties
How to Use:
  • Dried berries: In feed
  • Leaf tea or powder:mixed into feed
  • Tincture: (Leaves) under veterinary herbal guidance
⚠ Cautions:
  • Long-term use of leaves may reduce blood sugar and should be used cautiously, especially in metabolically sensitive horses

Canine Use (Dogs)

Benefits:
  • Berries:
    • Supports vision (especially age-related degeneration)
    • Promotes circulatory health
    • Natural antioxidant for skin and coat
  • Leaves:
    • Helpful in mild urinary tract support
    • May assist with blood sugar management
How to Use:
  • Dried berries/powder: With food (based on dog size)
  • Leaf tea: Mild tea: added to food or water
  • Tincture: Use cautiously and under supervision for diabetic or older dogs
⚠ Cautions:
  • Avoid high doses of leaves or concentrated extracts in pregnant dogs or those with low blood sugar

UK & Isle of Man Folklore

  • Bilberry picking was a seasonal tradition, especially in Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man, where families would go to the hills in July/August.
  • In the Isle of Man, bilberries were linked with Laa Luanys (Lammas), a midsummer festival, where children collected berries and sang songs on the hillsides.
  • The berries were believed to strengthen sight and were carried by soldiers in WWII for night vision (later backed by research).
  • In folk magic, bilberry branches or berries were used in divination, and the plant symbolized protection, insight, and second sight.
  • It was believed bilberry patches were watched over by fae folk, and it was considered unlucky to strip all berries—some must always be left.

Summary

Feature Details
Main Uses Antioxidant, vision support, urinary and circulatory health
Parts Used Berries (nutritive), Leaves (medicinal)
Equine Use Eye, vascular, and urinary support, metabolic health (leaves with care)
Canine Use Vision, coat, circulation, blood sugar balance
Folklore Associated with midsummer festivals, protection, faery lore

Coat and skin

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus)