- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, North America
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 276
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Herb · Europe
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Traditionally attributed effects: urinary antiseptic, astringent.
Safety notes
High doses can cause nausea. Use for max. 7–10 days. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: High doses can cause nausea.
- Western herbalism: Use for max. 7–10 days.
Preparation
The dried leaf as a cold infusion, for a short period. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name refers to bears eating the red berries. The Welsh physicians of Myddfai already mentioned it in the 13th century. The leaf contains arbutin, which is converted in the urine into a substance that inhibits bacteria; it was therefore used for cystitis. The European herbal monograph recognises this traditional use for a short period.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Urinary antiseptic, astringent.
Preparation and amount
Leaves.
Caution: High doses can cause nausea.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Diuretic, astringent, antiseptic, tonic; for cystitis, incontinence, kidney stones; regulates contractions during labour.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1 tsp per cup, 8–10 min, 1–4 cups a day (acute 120 ml at a time); tincture: 10 drops to 3 dropperfuls 1–3 times a day.
Caution: Use for max. 7–10 days.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Tincture