Uva Ursi
Uva Ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
AKA: Bearberry, Bear’s grape, Kinnickinnick, Mountain box, Mountain cranberry, Red bearberry
Portrait: Evergreen shrub. Native to Europe. Naturalized in the northern US as far south as northern California. Found wild in coniferous forests and areas with damp, dense undergrowth. White or pink flowers produce bright red, currant-sized berries in autumn. Leaves are gathered as flowers begin to die back.
Medicinal Element: Leaves
Herbal Properties: Astringent, diuretic, tonic
Summary: One of nature’s best urinary antiseptics, uva ursi is extensively used to relieve pain originating from the kidneys and bladder. It disinfects the urinary tract and hastens recovery from chronic cystitis and urethritis. Uva ursi appears to reduce accumulations of uric acid in the body, a metabolic waste product primarily excreted in the urine. This may improve conditions resulting from hyperuricemia (abnormally high levels of uric acid in the blood) including gout and stones in the kidneys and bladder. A well-known diuretic, uva ursi additionally helps the body pass formed urinary tract stones. Individuals with kidney infections should not use this herb. Long-term use of uva ursi may cause digestion problems and toxicity characterized by dizziness, persistent nausea, and disturbances in vision. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.
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