Herbs & Supplements

Airelle Scientific Name: Bilberry Other Names: Dyeberry, European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Whortleberry, Wineberry When should I be careful taking it? Precautions Eating bilberry fruit seems to be safe during pregnancy and while breast-feeding, but no studies have been done to test the safety of supplemental doses of bilberry fruit or bilberry leaf products. Until more is known, supplemental bilberry is best avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women. Because bilberry may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, it may increase the effectiveness of medications used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals who take medications for diabetes should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using supplementary bilberry. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.