Ericaceae
Uva Ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Northern Europe, North America, Asia
Also known as: Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Mountain Box
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Leaf
Therapeutic Uses
Urinary tract infections (lower UTI — cystitis), urinary tract inflammation. Arbutin is converted to hydroquinone in alkaline urine — direct antiseptic effect on urinary epithelium. German Commission E and ESCOP approved for UTI.
Herbal Actions
Urinary antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic
Active Constituents
Arbutin (5–15% — hydrolyzed to hydroquinone in urine), hydroquinone, tannins (ursolic acid, tannic acid), flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin), allantoin
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Cold infusion: 2 tsp dried leaves in 250ml cold water, soak 12 hours, drink 3x daily (cold extract preserves arbutin, minimizes tannins) |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | CRITICAL: Only works in alkaline urine — take with 6–8g sodium bicarbonate or eat alkaline-forming foods. Avoid cranberry and acidic foods during treatment. Max 5-day courses, maximum 5 courses per year (hydroquinone toxicity). Combine with goldenrod for synergy. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterotonic), kidney disease, children under 12. Avoid acidifying agents. Do not exceed recommended duration — hydroquinone is toxic in excess.
Side Effects: GI nausea (high tannin content — use cold infusion). Green-brown urine discoloration (normal). Hepatotoxicity with prolonged use.