Arctostaphylos uva ursi  is the botanical name for an herb commonly known by a variety of different names including bear grape, sagackhomi, mountain box or mountain Cranberry, carillo, bearberry, barberry, uva ursi, sand berry, meal berry, pinemat mananita, kinnikinnick. A wide variety of names come from the fact that uva ursi has been used around the world by many cultures for centuries. A bit of trivia: of all the English words that are pronounced the same way whether spelled forward or backward, kinnikinnick is the longest.

 

 

Uva ursi boasts a long history of healing qualities and usage that goes all the way back to the 2^nd century. Marco Polo and Kublai Khan are said to have been introduced to uva ursi's medicinal properties during visits to Asia for spices and other goods. It is possible that they were the ones to bring the bright red berry plant back to Europe because the medical European community was making frequent use of the herb by the 13^th century. Usage of the plant was continued as English and European settlers arrived in the 'New World' where Native Americans were already curing bladder and Urinary Tract Infections with uva ursi.

 

In addition to UTIs and cystitis, kidney stones are also treatable with uva ursi. It is absorbed into the stomach and changed into something that has antiseptic qualities. When processed by the body and passed through the urinary tract as waste, these antiseptic qualities kick into action and wipe out infection, irritation, and inflammation.

 

Uva ursi is an antibacterial agent that is a diuretic as well. Because of this last quality, it is also helpful when treating bed wetting, taken as Tea or Tincture. The antibacterial nature of the plant also works well when used in liquid form to clean cuts.

 

 

A mature uva ursi plant looks like a carpet of vines on the ground and proliferates out in the open and on slopes where it is seldom trod upon and has ready access to sunlight. It exhibits small read berries and tiny oval leaves with stems that are almost red in color. In spring, the plant flowers and it is the flowers that become the small red berries that bears are so fond of. Uva ursi is native to the coast line that runs from northern California, Oregon, Washington State and into Canada. Sun and acidic soil is all it needs to thrive and flourishes in Siberia, Europe, the Himalayan mountains, and the Iberian peninsula.  

 

 

Growing uva ursi from its seed is extremely difficult, involving multiple complicated processes. It is far easier to grow the plants from cuttings instead. If grown as opposed to purchased, it is advised that the uva ursi leaves be harvested in the autumn when they are green and dried with a soft heat outdoors in the shade. It is further advised that these leaves only be harvested when the weather is sunny and after the dew has had a chance to dry. During the drying process, it is imperative that the leaves are mostly dried outside on wire grates with about four feet beneath them but brought in the moment dampness comes into the air. They may be turned as they dry, but they should not touch and be in single layers only. Leaves that have been fully dried should be kept in wood boxes or tins and kept in a cool, dry place.

 

It is the leaves of the uva ursi that are used in herbal remedies and not the berries. The reason is its principle constituent, arbutin. Other constituents in the makeup up uva ursi include methyl-arbutin, beta carotene, ericolin, hyperin, ursone, Quercetin, gallic Acid, oleanolic Acid, ellagic Acid, and tannin. Nutrients include calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, and Zinc among others. On the market, uva ursi can be purchased in health food stores in powder form, as an essential oil, or as crushed leaf. 

 

 

When taken in its powder form as a capsule, it is advisable to keep the dosage under 2.5 grams up to four times daily. The dried, crushed leaf may also be ingested as Tea – just steep 1 flat tablespoon of uva ursi in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, as many as four times daily. Taken in Tincture form, it can be diluted in a one to five ratio with a 25 percent alcohol solution in up to four doses of as many as 75 drops daily. Children under the age of 12 should not take uva ursi.

 

 

If a regimen of uva ursi is started, it should last no longer than a week, no more than five times annually. Also, certain dietary specifications should be followed for optimal benefit. For example, it is advised the Citrus fruits or any acidic foods be avoided as uva ursi works best with an alkaline diet. Taking regular doses of baking soda may help.

 

 

Side effects are minimal and rarely reported when taking uva ursi as long as it is taken in recommended doses for an appropriate amount of time. However, occasionally some side effects such as Nausea, inability to Sleep, Vomiting, high pulse rate, and bad temper. Those with high Blood pressure and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking uva ursi.

 

Those who are taking certain medications should avoid taking uva ursi, as well. Some of these medications include non-steroid anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and corticosteroids like prednisolone or dexamethasone.

 

 

Uva ursi, when used appropriately, is an extremely effective medicinal herb, especially for those who have frequent Urinary Tract Infections. Remember, that before any herbal regimen is undertaken, it is important to consult a physician first. None of the claims in this article are backed by the FDA and none of the information herein is intended as medical advice. Follow all directions on the bottle or package explicitly, and research the company who manufactured the product before purchase. If any side effects are experienced, discontinue use immediately. Should symptoms persist, see a doctor.