Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, particularly for supporting vascular health and circulatory issues. Its use for edema—an abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues—stems mainly from its reputed effects on strengthening capillaries and reducing capillary permeability, attributed to its rich content of anthocyanins and other flavonoids. These compounds are believed to help maintain the integrity of blood vessels and improve microcirculation, which may, in theory, reduce fluid leakage and swelling in tissues. Historical herbal texts often mention bilberry or similar berries for ailments involving "dropsy" (an old term for swelling or edema).

However, contemporary scientific evidence directly linking bilberry to a reduction in edema is limited. Most modern research focuses on bilberry’s effects on vision, vascular health, and antioxidant activity rather than specifically on edema. Some studies on related flavonoid-rich extracts (like those from grape seed or citrus) show mild diuretic or capillary-stabilizing effects, but bilberry’s impact on human edema, as a primary outcome, remains largely unstudied. Thus, bilberry’s use for edema is supported more by tradition and plausible mechanisms than by robust clinical trials.

In summary, bilberry’s application for edema is primarily traditional, with a low to moderate level of supporting evidence and little direct scientific validation.

More about bilberry
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