As part of the plant family that includes blueberries, cranberries and huckleberries, bilberries grow in cool, moderate temperatures, typically in mountain ranges. They are found throughout the northern and southern hemispheres.
One of the best benefits bilberry tea is known for is its ability to help improve the vision of those that drink it regularly. Macular degeneration has been reversed or at the very least inhibited with regular consumption of bilberries, in a tea form or through regular consumption. In depth research has proven that bilberries can help strengthen both the retina and the blood vessel walls in the eyes. This unique benefit was first discovered during World War II, when the bilberry was given to British Royal Air Force pilots to increase their visual capabilities while flying at night. Studies showed that they could adjust their eyes to the darkness more quickly, and at the same time stave off the effects of glare from being up there in the sky for so long.