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

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)

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.

Coat and skin

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