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Who should not take bilberry ()?

Do not take bilberry without first talking to your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clots; or if you are taking other medications, herbs, antioxidants, or health supplements (these may also affect blood clotting). Bilberry may affect the time it takes for the blood to clot.

Before taking bilberry, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Bilberry may not be recommended in some situations.

There is no information available regarding the use of bilberry by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.

How should I take bilberry ()?

The use of bilberry in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.

If you choose to take bilberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may provide a more reliable dose of the product.

Take the pill forms of bilberry with a full glass of water.

To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of bilberry with a dropper or a dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Some forms of bilberry can be brewed to form a tea for drinking.

Topical forms of bilberry are intended for external use only.

Do not use different formulations (e.g., tablets, liquids, teas, and others) of bilberry at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of bilberry.

Store bilberry as directed on the package. In general, bilberry should be protected from light.

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