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Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Ericaceae
Citations
Names : Uva Ursi
Habitat : Britain, Central and Northern Europe, North America.
Collection : The evergreen leaves may be collected throughout the year,
but preferably in spring and summer.
Part Used : The leaves.
Constituents : o Hydroquinones; mainly arbutin (hydroquinone b-glucoside)
and methylarbutin
o Iridoids, monotropein
o Flavonoids, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, myricacitrin and others
o Miscellaneous; tannins, volatile oil, ursolic, malic and gallic acids.
Actions : Diuretic, astringent, anti-microbial, demulcent.
Indications : Uva Ursi has a specific antiseptic and astringent effect
upon the membranes of the urinary system. It will generally soothe, tone
and strengthen them. It is specifically used where there is gravel or
ulceration in the kidney or bladder. It may be used in the treatment of
infections such as pyelitis and cystitis or as part of a holistic
approach to more chronic kidney problems. It has a useful role to play
in the treatment of gravel or a calculus in the kidney. With its high
astringency it is used in some forms of bed wetting. As a douche it may
be helpful in vaginal ulceration and infection.
Ellingwood gives the following specific symptomatolgy: Its direct
influence is upon relaxed conditions of the bladder walls, to which it
imparts tone and induces normal contraction. It restrains excessive
mucous discharges. He recommends for these indications: ulceration of
the bladder, cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, gonorrhea.
Combinations : Uva Ursi may be combined with Couchgrass and Yarrow for
infections of the urinary tract.
Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto
l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried leaves and let infuse for l0-l5 minutes.
This should be drunk three times a day. Tincture: take 2-4ml of the
tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
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