Bilberry is a shrubby, perennial native to Europe and the British Isles. Referred to as the European blueberry, bilberry has small, edible, blue fruits and astringent leaves. For centuries, Vaccinium myrtillus leaf was employed in traditional European medicine for wellness support. Bilberry leaf can be used in external applications or infused in herbal tea. Also known as "Black Hearts" according to Thomas Hardy in his 1878 novel The Return of the Native, the European bilberry bush is a close relative of American blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries. It flourishes in damp acidic soil throughout temperate and sub-arctic regions of the world. The bilberry has a long history of traditional use. The English used it as a dye for wool due to its wonderful dark blue/purple coloring. Additional common names include huckleberry and whortleberry. Bilberry antioxidant properties help maintain good health and fight free radicals. This information is for education purposes, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, c