Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi

Latin Name: Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi
Family: Ericaceae

Part used: Dried Leaf, fruit, Iris.
Energetics: Astringent, Cold, Dry.
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding - Uterine stimulant.
  • High tannin content so use for only a few days, or take one week on and one week off, combining with Linseed, Liquorice or Cranberry.
  • Do not use with Kidney disorders or Gastric irritation.

ACTIONS

  • Tonic
  • Diuretic
  • Urinary antiseptic
  • Astringent
  • Haemostatic
  • Highly acidic urine
  • Antibacterial (E. coli, H. pylori, Chlamydia, Staph., Strep., Salmonella, Shigella)
  • Antifungal
  • Anti-viral
  • Anti-tussive
  • Anti-lithic
  • Utero-tonic
  • Prostate tonic
  • Parturient

Main Constituents

  • Volatile oil
  • Hydroquinones (arbutin and methylarbutin)
  • Flavonoids: quercetin
  • Phenolic glycosides
  • Tannins (up to 15%)
  • Triterpenes
  • Allantoin
  • Essential Oil
  • Minerals: Fe, Ca, Cr, Se, Mg, P
  • Vitamins: A, C.

Main Uses

Digestive System: Diarrhoea
Infections:
Bacteria: E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chlamydia, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Salmonella, Shigella, Ureaplasma.
Fungi: Candida.
Viruses: Herpes simplex - HSV-2, Influenza
Circulatory: Oedema legs/face
Musculo-Skeletal System: Rheumatic tendencies with backache, Gout
Endocrine: Menorrhagia
Respiratory System: Coughs
Urinary System: Smarting cystitis, Painful urination, Urine retention, Soothing mucilaginous urinary tonic, Chronic inflammation / infection of urinary tract, Uterine prolapse

More About Uva Ursi

Uva ursi contains a compound called arbutin, which is converted to hydroquinone in the renal tube, and has the ability to drain excess water from cells, promoting an antiseptic and bactericidal effect on the kidneys, within 3-4 hours of ingestion.
During its excretion, arbutin produces an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane and can therefore help assist with the urinary tract infections.
Its astringent, cold qualities make it appropriate for acute urinary infections, such as cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, kidney stones, kidney gravel.
The antifungal terpenes are effective against intestinal pathogens such as Candida, Chlamydia, E. coli, H. pylori, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Staph. Aureus, Strep. Faecalis and Mycoplasma.
Uva Ursi is also known as Bearberry. The name "bearberry" for the plant derives from the edible fruit which is a favourite food of bears. Native Americans would use Bearberry for urogenital incontinence, urogenital infections and urinary stones.
The Cheyenne and Sioux use the whole plant for promoting labour contractions. As a uterine tonic, it reduces heavy periods and can tone uterine prolapse and vaginal laxity. It can help in cases of endometriosis or vaginal infections.
Uva Ursi combines well with cold demulcents, such as Cornsilk, Plantain, Marshmallow and Linseeds.

Recipes:


Uva Ursi Tea

Uva ursi tea is traditionally believed to have potential benefits for urinary tract health and mild urinary tract infections.

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 teaspoons of dried uva ursi leaves
  • 236ml of boiling water

Instructions:

  • Boil water and allow it to cool slightly.
  • Place the dried uva ursi leaves in a cup or teapot.
  • Pour the hot (but not boiling) water over the uva ursi leaves.
  • Cover and steep for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Strain the tea to remove the leaves.
  • You can sweeten the tea with honey or another natural sweetener if desired.
  • Drink the tea while it's still warm.
Uva Ursi Tincture

Ingredients:

  • Dried uva ursi leaves
  • Alcohol (e.g., vodka, brandy, or 40-60% alcohol content)
  • A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

  • Ensure that the glass jar and all equipment are clean and sterilized.
  • Fill the glass jar about one-third to half full with dried uva ursi leaves. The exact amount can vary depending on the size of your jar, but aim for around 1-2 tablespoons of uva ursi leaves for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of alcohol.
  • Pour the alcohol over the dried uva ursi leaves, making sure the leaves are completely covered and there are no air bubbles.
  • Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Place the jar in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or as often as you remember.
  • After the infusion period, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the uva ursi leaves. The liquid that remains is your uva ursi tincture.
  • Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle with a dropper for easy dosing. Label it with the date of preparation.

Important Notes:
Uva ursi tincture is traditionally believed to have potential benefits for urinary tract health. When using tinctures, dosage can vary, so it's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.

References


Urinary Tract Infection

Reducing antibiotic use for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in general practice by treatment with uva-ursi (REGATTA) - a double-blind, randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial
The trial's aim is to investigate whether initial treatment with UU is a safe and effective alternative treatment strategy in women with UTI. In that case, the results might change the existing treatment strategy in general practice by promoting delayed prescription of antibiotics and a reduction of antibiotic use in primary care.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29970072/

Hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. leaves extract and its modified cysteine preparation for the management of insulin resistance: chemical analysis and bioactivity.
Present data revealed that bearberry leaves alcoholic dry extract enriched with cysteine has a hypoglycaemic and pancreatic protective effect. Treatment improved hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and beta cell reduction induced by dexamethasone injections.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35953755/

Antioxidant

Chemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. Spreng. at the Southern Border of the Geographical Range of the Species in Europe
The high content of phenols and high values of antioxidant parameters indicate a high potential of bearberry leaves to be used as a powerful natural source of antioxidants in herbal preparations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34946773/

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