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Uva Ursi
One of several species referred to a bearberry, due to the love of these berries by bears. Mainly used for anything to do with the urinary tract.
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Family: Ericaceae - heather
Parts used: leaves
Antimicrobial
Astringent
Antiseptic
Anti-Inflammatory
Antiviral
Antifungal
Astringent
Analgesic
Diuretic
Antilithic
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling
Drying
Urinary
Uses
Tones and builds the urinary system.
Kidney and bladder stones.
Bladder and urinary infections, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, etc.
Painful urination, increases the flow of urine, helps with bedwetting.
Vaginal infections, discharge, and diseases.
Promotes contractions, helps with difficult labor and postpartum bleeding.
Tea
Mouthwash, gargle (sore, inflamed gums)
Powdered, capsules
Extract
Poultice, compress (apply to burns, boils, wounds, and sores)
Fresh, chew leaves
Foraging/Harvesting
Found in rocky outcrops, gravel, poor, sandy soils. An evergreen, branching, ground cover. Leaves are shiny-leathery, oval shaped. Flowers are white to pink, and urn shaped. Berries are a dry, red ball.
Leaves are best harvested in the fall before the first frost but can be used anytime.
Berries can be harvested as food (though not medicinal) when they are bright red.
Safety
Do not use during pregnancy. Large or frequent doses may be irritating to the stomach. Long term used could result in constipation. It may turn urine a greenish color, but not harmful.
References
A Handbook of Native America Herbs
Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains
Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Buhner
Mountain States Medicinal Plants
