Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Part used: Leaves
Botanical family: Ericaceae

This creeping mountain shrub, a relative of the blueberry, concentrates arbutin in its leaves — a glucoside that converts to hydroquinone in the urine, with an antiseptic action on the urinary tract. Europe's traditional remedy for bladder discomfort, always in short, occasional courses.

Traditional uses

Mild urinary discomfort
Often combined with heather and cranberry

Traditionally used for

cystitisurinary infectionbladderburning urination

How to prepare it

Infusion or extract in short courses of a few days, with plenty of water.

Precautions

Short-term use only. Not in pregnancy or for children. Fever or lower-back pain needs a doctor.

Pairs well with: Horsetail

Ask us about this plant

Other plants with similar uses

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Horsetail

Equisetum arvense

Nettle

Urtica dioica

This information reflects traditional uses of plants for general guidance and does not replace advice from a health professional. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, ask before using them.