Health Benefits of Bearberry

Health Benefits of Bearberry

Uva ursi - Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 
Ericaceae 
The other common names for the herb uvaursi are Arberry,Bearberry,Bear'sgrape,Crowberry,Foxberry,Hog Cranberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cranberry , Red Bearberry ,  Sagackhomi, Sandberry  and Upland Cranberry.

While many herbs are popular for liver and colon health, the best herbs for kidney maintenance are not as well known in Western medicine. Those suffering nausea, loss of appetite, stunted growth, dry skin, sleep disorders, concentration problems, or puffy eyes should consider a kidney flush.

Uva-ursi is a low lying evergreen shrub native to Europe and even found in the Arctic. The leaves are gathered in autumn along with the berries. Uva-ursi contains hydroquinones (including arbutin  up to 17%), tannins (15%), phenolic glycosides and flavonoids. Uva-ursi is one of the best urinary antiseptics. Used extensively in herbal medicine since the 2nd century, uva-ursi is primarily used to help disinfect and astringe the kidneys. Uva-ursi was also traditionally smoked along with tobacco. Uva-ursi has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Note: uva-ursi should not be used by pregnant women or for more than 7-10 days at a time. While promoting kidney health, uva-ursi should not be used to treat existing kidney infections.