Bilberry Leaf vs Teucrium polium

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Bilberry Leaf

Vaccinium myrtillus leaf

Metabolic

Metabolic

Bilberry Leaf

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Teucrium polium

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Leaves of European bilberry used in folk medicine for blood sugar management and urinary conditions, distinct from the antioxidant-rich berries.

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean herb used across Arab traditional medicine for diabetes and digestive conditions.

Active Compounds

arbutin, glycosides, chromium, quercetin, tannins

diterpenoids, iridoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins

Traditional Uses

Diabetes and blood sugar in European folk medicine, Urinary conditions, Eye conditions in folk use, Digestive conditions

diabetes, digestive disorders, fever, liver conditions

Modern Uses

Antidiabetic via chromium, Urinary antiseptic via arbutin, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory

antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried leaf tea 3x daily; tincture 2-3ml 3x daily

3-5g dried herb or 1-2ml tincture daily

Contraindications

Long-term use due to hydroquinone release, Pregnancy, Liver disease

liver disease, alcoholic preparations

Side Effects

Liver toxicity with prolonged use, Greening of skin with prolonged use

hepatotoxicity with high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E