Lingonberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Generally Safe
Consult Doctor
Also known as: Lingonberry, Cowberry, Mountain Cranberry, Red Whortleberry
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Therapeutic Uses
Gout (uric acid reduction and excretion), urinary tract infections, kidney support, cystitis, rheumatic complaints. The leaves are used medicinally — particularly in Eastern European folk medicine for gout and kidney stones.
Herbal Actions
Urinary antiseptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antioxidant, uricosuric (promotes uric acid excretion)
Safety Information
Safety Rating
Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid in kidney disease. Maximum 2 weeks continuous use for urinary applications. Avoid in children under 12.
Side Effects: High tannin content may cause nausea — take with food. Long-term use of arbutin-containing herbs not recommended.