Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus) is a small shrub that grows in cool, temperate regions of both the northern and southern hemispheres.&ampnbsp; It is related to blueberry of the heath family and is also known as bleaberry and common whortleberry in Europe.&ampnbsp; It is first mentioned in early herbal traditional medicine from the Middle Ages, and became more prominent during the 18th century.&ampnbsp; Today it is listed in the German Commission &ampldquo;E&amprdquo; Monographs, and the studies into its nutritive properties are ongoing.