Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Uva ursi is a small evergreen shrub also referred to as “bearberry”, native to North America and can also be found in Asia and Europe.

The herbal extract derived from the leaves of the shrub has been used in Native American traditional medicine for the treatment of urinary tract symptoms such as cystitis for centuries. They were brewed and consumed as a tea.

Please note: In Australia the Therapeutic Goods Association has restricted the use of Uva ursi for external use only, and not for human consumption.

Part used:

Leaf

Energetics:

Cooling, drying, astringent

Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive, antiviral

Indications: 

Urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethritis, diuresis, kidney infections

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556475/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/uva-ursi