Uva ursi, also known as bear's grape bearberry, and kinnikinnik, has been used for over 1,000 years both in Chinese and native American traditional medicine. Today, it continues to be used as a treatment to promote kidney and urinary health and as natural diuretic. Uva ursi actually works best when the body is in an alkaline state. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruit, vitamin C or vinegar should be avoided when taking the herb.
Urinary Tract Ailments
Uva ursi has anti-bacterial properties, which can fight infection, and tannins that add astringent properties to reduce inflammation. While modern physicians generally prescribe antibiotics for treating urinary tract infections, uva ursi can help to eliminate UTIs and to ease the inflammatory effects of bladder cystitis.
Cardiovascular Health
Uva ursi also possesses diuretic properties. These can help to reduce the amount of fluid in the body. This, in turn, may help to reduce high blood pressure. The effects of congestive heart failure, a buildup of fluid around the heart, may also be relieved with help from this herb.
Wound Treatment
Alantoin, the active ingredient in many over-the-counter topical creams, can help to promote the healing of minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Its antimicrobial effects can also help to reduce the risk of infection.
Diarrhea
The astringent properties of uva ursi may also assist in resolving diarrhea. The herb can help to shrink the mucosal lining of the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and providing better water absorption in the intestines, leading to better binding of the stool.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Uva Ursi
- New Mexico State University: Medicinal Plants of the Southwest, Arctostaphylos uva ursi
- " The Healing Herbs"; by Michael Castleman; 1991
Member Comments