Uva Ursi Herb Overview
The uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) plant grows throughout the northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a small groundcover shrub with evergreen leaves and a white-pink flower, which produces a bright red berry. The berries can be consumed, but the plant is best known for the medicinal qualities of its leaves, which are often used in Traditional Medicine for:- urinary tract infections
- kidney stones
- cystitis
- inflammation
General Information on the Uva Ursi Herb
The uva ursi plant is commonly known as bearberry, since bears are fond of eating the berries that the plant produces; “uva ursi,” translated from Latin, means “bear grape.” The uva ursi plant has been used throughout history by Native Americans, who used uva ursi as a diuretic for congested kidneys, and as a urinary aid and tonic for bladder and kidneys (Grinnel 1972). The leaf of the uva ursi plant has been prepared for use as an antiseptic for hundreds of years, particularly for treating mild, uncomplicated infections of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract (urinary tract infections) when antibiotic therapy is not considered essential (Mills & Bone 2000). It has also been used as a diuretic to treat kidney stones, and to treat urinary incontinence, cystitis, and ulceration of the bladder and prostate gland. Uva ursi is effective at helping to soothe, strengthen and tone the urinary passages, and reduce inflammation of the urinary tract. Uva ursi contains a chemical called arbutin. When metabolized in your body, arbutin is converted to hydroquinone, which passes through your kidneys into your urinary tract, where it helps to relieve pain and inflammation in the bladder or urinary tract. Hydroquinone may also prevent harmful bacteria from growing within the bladder and urinary tract (de Arrabia et al. 2013). Health Canada (2019a) monograph encompasses the oral use of Uva ursi leaf preparations Traditionally in Herbal Medicine as a mild diuretic and to help relieve symptoms associated with minor urinary tract infections.
What Is the Uva Ursi Leaf Used for?
In Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health, Dr. Aviva Romm writes “Uva ursi remains one of the most important and commonly used urinary tract disinfectants in modern herbal medicine, widely used in the treatment of uncomplicated acute and recurrent urinary tract infections. … Traditionally, it has been used for cystitis, urethritis, dysuria, pyelitis, lithuria, and, specifically, acute catarrhal cystitis with dysuria and highly acidic urine.”
Uses & Effectiveness of Uva Ursi Herb
The antiseptic and tonic properties of uva ursi have made the herb particularly useful in Traditional and modern Herbal medicine for:- cystitis
- urinary tract infections
- chronic irritation of the bladder
- inflammation of the urinary tract
- congestion and ulceration of the bladder and prostate gland
- renal or urinary calculi
- congested kidneys
- urinary incontinence
- dysuria
- urethritis
Precautions of Uva Ursi Herb
Individuals who are pregnant should not use uva ursi, as it may start labour. There is insufficient evidence to know whether individuals who are breastfeeding can safely take uva ursi, so use should be avoided. Those with thin retinas should avoid the use of uva ursi, as it contains a chemical that can cause retinal thinning. Individuals with kidney or liver disorders, heart disease, edema, or those taking other products that contain diuretics should avoid uva ursi. Children should not take uva ursi, as it contains a chemical that may cause severe liver problems. (Source)
