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)