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Uva Ursi is also known as bearberry, has a long
history of being a popular method for the care and treatment of urinary tract
infections.
Uva Ursi has been used worldwide as a diuretic,
astringent and antiseptic for centuries.
Uva Ursi, or
bearberry, is a low growing evergreen shrub
found native in many parts of the world.
Uva Ursi contains the following nutrients
vitamin A, iron, manganese, selenium & silicon. Bearberry contains arbutin, a
compound that is composed of sugars and hydroquinone, an antiseptic agent. In
addition to the arbutin, bearberry contains several acids and flavonoids. 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 methylarbutin
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.1 No human trials have been published confirming
the effectiveness of
Uva Ursi in people with urinary tract
infections.
Uva Ursi leaves serves as an antiseptic,
antibacterial, and an astringent. Other uses have been for cystitis, vaginitis,
bedwetting, fluid retention, diarrhea, toothache, and urethritis. The common
manner of Currently taking Uva Ursi is through pill form, decoction or infusion.
Uva Ursi has been used historically to support
the kidneys and urinary tract. It is believed that
Uva Ursi may have an antiseptic effect on the
tissues of the kidneys and urinary tract, thereby lessening the pain from such
disorders as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and nephritis.
Uva Ursi, which is generally categorized as a
treatment for the urinary and glandular systems. It has been included in the
modern pharmacopoeias due to its many medicinal uses. Some of the uses for which
uva ursi is known include the following:
-
Uva Ursi astringent properties make it useful
for infections as it dries them up.
-
Uva Ursi tea may be used as an antiseptic for
cuts and abrasions.
-
Uva Ursi may be used as a weight loss aid
because it promotes production of urine, being an effective diuretic.
Other illnesses for which
Uva Ursi has been used include Bright's
disease, dysentery, nephritis, gonorrhea and syphilis, excessive menstruation,
stimulation of the spleen, liver and pancreas, hemorrhoids, menopause, and
diabetes. Research has indicated that the herb is more effective in its whole
state than when broken down into components.
Due to the high
tannin content in
Uva
Ursi, some people may experience cramping,
nausea, or vomiting. |
