Also known as- Arctostaphylos uva ursi, bearberry, and Kinnikinnick

Introduction

Before there were antibiotics, doctors prescribed uva ursi to treat urinary tract infections. Uva ursi is a is a low-lying evergreen bush whose berries are a favorite of bears, hence the name "bearberry." However, it is the leaves that are used medicinally.

Constituents

Arbutin, hydroquinone, tannins.

Parts Used

Dried leaves and stem fragments.

Typical Preparations

Traditionally used as a tea or tincture. Frequently combined with buchu, cleavers, dandelion leaf, parsley fruit, or juniper berries. May also be taken in capsule form.

Summary

Uva Ursi does not kill the bacteria that cause urinary tract infection. Instead, it releases complex polysaccharides that keep the bacteria "rooting" in the lining of the bladder and urethra, allowing the infectious microorganisms to be flushed away with the flow of urine. Most authorities on herbal medicine note that uva ursi is more effective when the urine is alkaline, that is, when plant foods (especially leafy greens and dried foods) are eaten in greater quantities than animal foods (smoked fish and hard cheese causing the greatest acidity).  Used for kidney and bladder infections, kidney stones, nephritis, diabetes, and hemorrhoids. Strengthens the heart muscle, used as a tonic, and helps disorders of the spleen, liver, pancreas, and small intestines. Used as a diuretic. Good for female disorders. Also used in bronchitis, gonorrhea, diarrhea, and to stop bleeding. It is not necessary to drink the tea for long periods, because acute symptoms generally will disappear within a few days with treatment of bearberry leaf tea. Historical or traditional use: The leaves and berries were used by numerous indigenous people from northern latitudes. Native Americans sometimes combined uva ursi with tobacco and smoked it. It was also used as a beverage tea in some places in Russia. The berries were considered beneficial as a weight-loss aid. It was found in wide use for infections of all parts of the body because of its astringent, or "drying", action.

In consequence of the powerful astringency of the leaves, Uva-Ursi has a place not only in all the old herbals, but also in the modern Pharmacopoeias. There are records that it was used in the thirteenth century by the Welsh 'Physicians of Myddfai.'  It was described by Clusius in 1601, and recommended for medicinal use in 1763 by Gerhard of Berlin and others. It had a place in the London Pharmacopoeia for the first time in 1788, though was probably in use long before. It is official in nearly all Pharmacopceias, some of which use the name Arbutus.

The usual form of administration is in the form of an infusion, which has a soothing as well as an astringent effect and marked diuretic action. Of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane: Bearberry leaves are, therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.

Besides the simple infusion (1 OZ. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water), the combination of 1/2 oz. each of Uva-Ursi, Poplar Bark and

Marshmallow root, infused in 1 pint of water for 20 minutes is used with advantage.

The tannin in the leaves is so abundant that they have been used for tanning leather in Sweden and Russia.

An ash-coloured dye is said to be obtained from the plant in Scandinavian countries.

The berries are only of use as food for grouse. Cattle, however, avoid the plant.

Health Benefits of Uva Ursa

• diuretic
  
• astringent
• antiseptic
• nephritis
  
• kidney stones
• chronic cystitis
• headaches
• cure scurvy
• treat urinary tract infection
• bladder infections

Precautions

Cranberry juice sweetened with sugar cancels out the benefits of uva ursi, although unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry extracts, and whole cranberries (served without sugar) do not. Do not take vitamin C on days you take uva ursi; vitamin C cancels out its effects. Uva ursi is only appropriate for short-term use, no more than two weeks at a time, no more than 5 times a year. Uva ursi should not be taken by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or by persons with severe liver or kidney disease.

This herb is sold by the Ounce