AKA: Arberry, Arbutus, Bearberry, Bear's Grape, Carillo, Chipmunk's Apples, Coralilo, Crowberry, Foxberry, Hogberry, Kinnikinnick, Manzanita, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cranberry, Mountain Tobacco, Rockberry, Sandberry, Sagachhomi, Upland Cranberry, Whortleberry

Uva Ursi is Latin for "Bear Grapes" and refers to the extreme popularity of the fruit among bears in the circumpolar Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where this dwarf shrub tends grow. The fruit has also been used as food by people during rough times, but it is the leaves of the plant, that are valued most for their medicinal properties. Since the 2nd century people have been using the leaves of the uva ursi plant for a wide range of medicinal uses including use as a diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic. The Native Americans used the plant to remedy headaches, to prevent and cure scurvy, to treat urinary tract infections and even for certain venereal diseases. It has also been used as a folk medicine for nephritis, kidney stones and chronic cystitis as well as a tonic for the kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Benefits and Uses:

• Diuretic
• Antiseptic
• Astringent
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Muscle relaxant

Used For:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• E-coli
• High Blood Pressure
• Wounds and Infections

UTI’s

Before the discovery of antibiotic and sulfa drugs, Uva ursi was the treatment of choice for infections in the bladder and modern research indicates that the herb's strong antimicrobial properties and diuretic effects make the plant a viable treatment for the bladder, kidneys and urinary passages even today. The glucoside Arbutin, is what is responsible for the strong urinary tract infection fighting power of the herb. Arbutin is a hydroquinone derivative which is absorbed into the stomach and transformed into a substance that has antimicrobial, astringent and disinfectant properties. As it passes out of the body through the urinary tract it soothes any irritation, reduces inflammation and fights off infection. This makes the sugar compound useful against inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis. Interestingly enough, arbutin alone is not as effective as the whole plant due to the fact that it is more likely to be broken down than when it is the presence of other uva ursi compounds.

Bearberry also contains a powerful diuretic called ursolic acid which can increase urine flow, helping to reduce bloating and water retention making it helpful for weight loss this diuretic action may also help flush out bacteria as well as help reduce the accumulation of uric acid and helps relieve the pain of kidney stones. This astringent and diuretic action may even help out with bedwetting problems.

E-coli

Bearberry preparations have been shown to have strong antibacterial effects against many infectious bacterium including E-coli, Proteus vulgaris, mycoplasma hominis, staphylococcus strains and Candida Albicans. This antimicrobial effect is associated with the hydroquinone that is released from the arbutin.

High Blood Pressure

Since it is a powerful diuretic, bearberry can help lower high blood pressure, however it is advisable to increase your intake of potassium, since diuretic action can deplete your body of this all important vitamin.

Allantoin

Uva ursi contains allantoin, which is a compound that is known for its soothing and tissue repairing properties. This, along with is astringent properties makes it ideal for cuts and scrapes. Allantoin is also used to help treat cold sores, herpes and vaginal infections.

Diarrhea

Bear berry also contains astringent tannins which can be binding and help relieve diarrhea.

Warnings

If your urinary tract infection lasts longer than 24 to 36 hours, you should consult a doctor as potential complications could develop, including serious kidney problems. Children, pregnant or breast feeding women, and people with kidney diseases should not take uva ursi. People with high blood pressure should see a doctor before taking uva ursi as a treatment.

People taking uva ursi should avoid acidic foods well taking the herb since the alkalinity of the urine is important for the antimicrobial properties of the herb. Examples of acidic foods include citrus, pineapple, tomato, vitamin C, rose hips and cranberry juice. On the other hand certain alkalizing foods such as antacids, sodium bicarbonate, alfalfa peppermint, molasses, raisins, and spinach might actually help promote the healing effects of uva ursi.

Do not take Uva Ursi for more than a week at a time and no more than five times a year. High doses of the herb can lead to some disconcerting side effects such as green brown discoloration of the urine.

coming soon....