Like most berries, the bilberry contains numerous health promoting properties, such as vitamins and antioxidant compounds, and helps protect against a multitude of health concerns, such as aging, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.  The bilberry is a perennial, ornamental shrub that grows in woodland and moors, and, in the U.S., is known as the huckleberry.  It has been used for medicinal purposes since the 16th Century.
 
The bilberry, classified as an herb, is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, and folic acid.  It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, helps control insulin levels, and strengthens connective tissue.  It is also used as a diuretic and an antiseptic for the urinary tract, and to treat vascular and blood disorders, varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina.
 
Among its many benefits, the bilberry may help halt or prevent macular degeneration, is useful for cataracts, and other eye diseases such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia.  Through anecdotal evidence, it appears that bilberries can aid night vision as well.
 
The bilberry is available as an extract, capsules, or tablets; can be prepared fresh, dried, frozen, or as a beverage; and can be an ingredient in baked goods and mixes.  On a cautionary note, the bilberry interferes with iron absorption and should not be taken if iron levels are a concern.