What is the common name for Arctostaphylos uva Ursi?
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, known by a large number of common names including common bearberry and kinninnick, is an extremely winter hardy, creeping, slow-growing, prostrate, woody evergreen shrub that typically grows to 6-12” tall but spreads over time by flexible branching (roots at the nodes) to 3-6′ wide or more. Bearberry, also know as Uva Ursi or by its scientific name, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, was used in smoking mixtures. The leaves would be dried and smoked like tobacco by itself or mixed with true tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) or other herbs.Its botanical name, Arctostaphylos uva ursi means « bear grape », because bears love the berries of this shrub. Bearberry is very close to cranberry macrocrapon, wild blueberry or blueberry.Uva Ursi, or bearberry, has a long history of use in treating urinary tract issues. The leaves contain compounds that can have antimicrobial properties, potentially combating the bacteria responsible for UTIs.Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, known by a large number of common names including common bearberry and kinninnick, is an extremely winter hardy, creeping, slow-growing, prostrate, woody evergreen shrub that typically grows to 6-12” tall but spreads over time by flexible branching (roots at the nodes) to 3-6′ wide or more.
What is Arctostaphylos uva-ursi used for?
Uva ursi is an herbal extract derived from the leaves of the Arctostaphylos, a small evergreen shrub, which has been used in Native American traditional medicine for treatment of urinary tract symptoms and as a diuretic. Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Hydroquinone inhibits urinary tract pathogenic bacteria. It is generally not recommended to take uva ursi longer than two weeks at a time, and it should be avoided in pregnant and lactating women, patients with renal disease, and children.Uva ursi may function as a diuretic, and it may treat cystitis, or bladder inflammation, and kidney stones.Side effects are not common but, in high doses, may include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, shortness of breath and allergic reactions. Rare but potentially severe reactions to high doses of uva ursi may include convulsions, delirium and cardiovascular collapse.Extremely high doses of uva ursi, in the range of 10 times greater than the commonly recommended amount, can cause vomiting, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, convulsions, and collapse in some cases. Liver damage is also a risk with high doses taken over extended periods of time.
What does uva ursi do for the kidneys?
Uva ursi is good for supporting kidney health and cleansing the kidneys. It was a common Native American remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs), and humans often turned to the plant for bladder-related issues before modern medicine. People use uva ursi today as a natural option to assist kidney function. Also known as bearberry, uva ursi supports urinary health. It should not be used in high doses, by women who are pregnant, or by those with kidney infections. Tea made with uva ursi leaves may taste bitter and has been known to cause nausea and vomiting.Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) Hydroquinone inhibits urinary tract pathogenic bacteria. It is generally not recommended to take uva ursi longer than two weeks at a time, and it should be avoided in pregnant and lactating women, patients with renal disease, and children.Due to the high tannin content in uva ursi, some people may experience cramping, nausea, or vomiting. It is also not recommended for long-term use.You should only take uva ursi for short periods, no longer than 5 days, under a health care provider’s supervision. You should not take a series of doses of uva ursi more than 5 times in 1 year. DO NOT take more than the recommended doses.
Can uva ursi cause liver damage?
Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer. Lithium interacts with Uva Ursi Taking uva ursi might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium.