Bearberry

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng., Ericaceae)

Also called: Uva-ursi, kinnikinnik, mountain box.

Description: Small evergreen shrub with prostrate creeping branches often forming wide-spread mats; (the cowberry, with which this plant is often confused, has erect terminal shoots).
Leaves usually obovate, rarely spathulate, very thick and leathery, the upper surface showing sunken distinct reticulate venation (leaves of bilberry are pinnately veined); the lower surface is free from brown dots (distinction from bilberry).
Flowers bell-shaped, white or pink, with rolled, toothed lip.
Fruit, a red berry with acid taste.

Part Used: Dried leaves,

Habitat and Collection: Cool temperate regions from northern Europe to northern Asia, Japan and North America.
Widespread in coniferous forests and in humus soils of uplands and mountainous regions of Europe up to 2,400m (7,800ft).
Native on moors, rocks and banks of Scotland, northern England, north and west Ireland.
Collected throughout the year, preferably in spring and summer and dried either in the shade or in sunlight.

Constituents and Action: Bearberry contains the two substances arbutin and methyl arbutin which under certain conditions in the body produce strongly antiseptic substances related to phenol.
This takes place especially in diseased organs (presence of pus in the kidney or bladder) but not in healthy organs. Bearberry is thus an antiseptic.
It is mildly diuretic due to the presence of flavonoids.
Mild urinary tract infections.

Forms available: Teas, capsules, tinctures. Some products are standardised to 2 per cent arbutin.

Usage: As a tisane (infuse 10-30g (0.3-1 oz) of leaves either finely chopped or in coarse powder with 1 litre (1.75pt) of water and allow to stand; do not boil, which would destroy the efficacy and produce a very bitter taste) for infections and inflammations of the kidneys and bladder.

Caution: Do not use while you're pregnant or if you have a kidney disorder or irritated digestive condition. Bearberry may interact with herbs or drugs that acidify the urine.
Discontinue its use after one week, except under the supervision of a health-care practitioner.
Prolonged use results in constipation because of the tannin content.
Overuse may promote liver damage.
Not recommended for children.