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| Common Names |
| Uva Ursi , Bearberry |
| Botanical Name |
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
| Family |
| ERICACEAE Heath Family |
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Uva ursi contains a considerable amount of tannins ( up to 40 percent) making it one of natures most powerful astringents. It also contains as assortment of chemical compounds,especially arbutin, that are active against many of the pathogens commonly found in urinary tract infections. Uva ursi also fights bacteria and cleanses the urinary tract, promote excretion, and deters water retention, supports the kidneys, and cools inflammatory reactions. In fact Uva ursi was the official recommendation for a urinary tract infection in the U.S. Pharmacopeia until 1936. Both the Chinese and Native Amercians used this ground hugging woody evergreen, a close relative of the cranberry and blueberry to treat urinary problems. Also know as kinnikinnick (an American Indian word meaning "smoking mixture"). |
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Prep Methods :Decoction or tincture
 Remedies using Uva Ursi
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| Side Effects: |
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| The high tannin content of bearberry can contribute to nausea and vomiting if you are sensitive. Do not use if your urine is already acidic. Do not use for more than 2 weeks without qualified supervision. Not for use for those who have kidney disease. (James Duke, GPH) |
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All species of the Arctostaphylos genus are medically useful, but it is A. uva ursi that is of primary interest to herbal medicine. The fruits are mealy red berries that look like tiny apples, which may account for the common name bearberry or 'Bear's Grape' Bear's grape, and may have been given to the plant, either from the notion that bears eat the fruit with relish, or from its very rough, unpleasant flavour, which might have been considered only fit for bears.
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Common Typos:
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