Natural ‘Bear Berry’ for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections
November 20, 2009
Natural News
By Mike Adams
Urinary tract infections are usually easily treated with a powerful herb known as Uva Ursi (bearberry). (For reference, in Spanish the word “Uva” means a grape / berry, and in Latin, “Ursa” means a bear.)
Here, we bring you an amazing collection of supporting information about uva ursi from health authors like Earl Mindell and Dr. Jonathan Wright. Read this and you’ll learn things like the amazing history of indigenous use of this herb across the cultures of the world. Read and enjoy!
Uva ursi and urinary tract infections
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi): Uva ursi, which is also known as bearberry, grows in the northern United States and Europe. It has diuretic, astringent and antiseptic properties. Uses: Uva ursi is used to treat urinary tract infections. The urine must be alkaline for uva ursi to be effective (do not use with cranberry juice which makes the urine acidic). Cautions: Uva ursi is toxic in high doses and should not be used in pregnancy or by anyone who has a kidney infection.
- The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs by Nicola Reavley
Uva ursi, Arctostaphylos uva ursi, is a urinary tract antiseptic and diuretic. It increases renal circulation and stimulates tubular function. Research claims uva ursi works best in an alkaline pH for treatment of urinary tract infections.
- Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth by Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
Uva ursi – More than a thousand years ago, the Chinese and Native Americans were using uva ursi to treat urinary tract infections in both men and women. This herb contains a substance called arbutin, which is converted in the urine to hydroquinone, a urinary antiseptic. Uva ursi is a natural diuretic – it literally flushes out the kidneys. If you use uva ursi regularly, you will need to replenish potassium, which can be lost when you lose fluid. Be sure to eat foods high in potassium, or take a potassium supplement.
- Earl Mindell’s Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell
The glycoside arbutin is the main active constituent in uva ursi and comprises up to 10% of the plant by weight. Hydroquinone derived from arbutin and methykrbutm is a powerful anti-bacterial agent and is thought to be responsible for uva ursi’s ability to treat urinary tract infections. It is believed to be most effective as a urinary tract antiseptic agent if the urine is alkaline. No human trials have been published confirming the effectiveness of uva ursi in people with urinary tract infections. Are there any side effects or interactions?
- The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions by Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D.
For all its good, uva ursi can slightly irritate the kidneys and upset your stomach if used for more than a week or so. However, this should give you plenty of time to knock out even the most stubborn bladder infection. One way to mellow out uva ursi’s harshness is by adding marshmallow to your formula. Marshmallow soothes the urinary tract and also fights urinary tract infection in a way similar to uva ursi, although it is not quite as powerful. Your best bet is to take these herbs as indicated below, then, when the symptoms have subsided, switch to cranberry, blueberry or uma-boshi.
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