Uva Ursi

July 14, 2010 by Becki Baumgartner
Filed under Herbology, Supplements

by Jyll Renee

UVA URSI

Botanical name: arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Common name: Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Mountain cranberry, Rockberry

Habitat: The uva ursi plant is found in colder, northern climates. It has red flowers

Info: Uva ursi also known as bearberry because bears like eating the fruit, has been used medicinally since the 2nd century. Native Americans used it as a remedy for urinary tract infections. In fact, until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, uva ursi was a common treatment for such bladder and related infections. Through modern day scientific research in test tubes and animals, researchers have discovered that uva ursi’s antibacterial properties, which can fight infection, are due to several chemicals, including arbutin and hydroquinone. The herb also contains tannins that have astringent effects, helping to shrink and tighten mucous membranes in the body. That, in turn, helps reduce inflammation and fight infection. 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. Uva ursi is most effective at the first sign of infection.

Precautions: The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

One of the chemicals in uva ursi, hydroquinone, can be very toxic to the liver. Uva ursi should be taken only for short periods (no longer than 5 days), and should not be repeated more than 5 times in 1 year. Do not exceed recommended doses. Children should not use uva ursi.

Reported side effects are generally mild and include nausea and vomiting, irritability, and insomnia.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with high blood pressure, should not take uva ursi. People who have Crohn’s disease, digestive problems, kidney or liver disease, or ulcers should not take uva ursi.

Possible Interactions: If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use uva ursi without first talking to your health care provider.

Drugs and supplements that make urine more acidic – These include vitamin C, cranberry juice, orange juice, and other citrus fruits and juices.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids — Animal studies conducted in Japan suggest uva ursi may increase the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs, although it isn’t known whether the herb would have that effect in people.

Ref:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/uva-ursi-000278.htm
The New Age Herbalist, Richard Mabey pg. 57
www.naturalmedicine.com Deborahe Prock, N.D. 12-27-08

Submitted by: Jyll Renee, Master Herbologist (Click here to learn more about Jyll Renee.)