Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, or uva-ursi) was the first herb I used medicinally. For years I suffered from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the frustrating side effects of the antibiotics prescribed to treat them. Eventually, out of desperation, I tried a Bearberry tincture instead—and a new herbalist was born.
Bearberry is one of the most famous kidney and bladder herbs and helps to alleviate several conditions of these organs. Although summer is the season most associated with UTIs, the transition into fall is another time of year when walk-in clinics fill up with these cases. This is likely due to the perfect storm of dropping temperatures combined with re-adjusting to new school schedules and the kick-off to holiday “treats” season. Many of us consume more sugar, caffeine, and alcohol during this time—all of which are considered risk factors for UTIs. The majority of UTI cases are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and are 10 times more common in women than men (likely due to a shorter urethra). Around six percent of women experience annual UTIs. Fortunately, E. coli responds very well to Bearberry, and infections should clear up in two to three days.
WHAT IS BEARBERRY?
Bearberry is a small perennial shrub with long, fibrous roots. Its thick evergreen leaves are spatula-shaped, with a darker green top and paler green underside. The flowers are urn-shaped, typically white with a pink to reddish tint, and grow in clusters at the ends of short branches. Uva-ursi flowers from May to June, while the bright red berries appear in the fall to winter months. The berries taste mealy and boring to our tastebuds, though some claim they are palatable when cooked.
Uva-ursi grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere, preferring dry, sandy soils and rocky hillsides. This choice of habitat is interesting given the plant's ability to treat urinary and kidney afflictions where gravel and stones are present. Herbalist Matthew Wood calls this a “signature for kidney remedies,” and says that “the environmental niche occupied by a plant reflects the stresses and conditions which it has had to adapt to,” often corresponding to “conditions in the organism.”
HISTORY OF BEARBERRY
Long valued for its medicinal properties, Bearberry dates back to Marco Polo’s time as Ambassador to Kublai Khan, who is said to have discovered the herb after invading China. Records show that it was being used by Welsh practitioners in the 13th century and earned a place in the London pharmacopeia by the 1780s—though women had already been using it for centuries by that time. Today you will find reference to it in almost all of the old pharmacopeias, home remedies, and modern herbal textbooks.
In North America, the indigenous Blackfoot people used an infusion of the leaves to treat cankers and sore gums. The high tannin content also made the plant very helpful in tanning raw leather and strengthening the skin on the bottom of the feet for hiking.
In Scandinavian countries, Bearberry leaves have been used to create an ash- or camel-coloured dye for wool. Using the whole plant is said to dye wool green when the fabric has been pre-treated with iron and alum.
The common name Bearberry and the botanical Latin name uva-ursi have identical meanings: “bear’s grape,” which may be in reference to either the animal's affinity for the berries or that they were thought to be only fit for bears to eat.
PROPERTIES & INDICATIONS
Genitourinary System
Bearberry can be used to treat both acute and chronic bladder infections and irritations (depending on the dose)—or taken as a preventative measure.
Only the leaves are used in herbal medicine, as they contain active compounds that are specifically healing to the mucous membranes of the urinary system. Arbutin is chief among these due to its diuretic effect, but as it passes through the system and breaks down, it becomes hydroquinone—a powerful urinary antiseptic when bacteria are present. Hydroquinone is then passed through the urinary system where it can help with infections, ulcerations, and inflammation or dissolve gravel and stones in the bladder and kidneys. One caveat, however, is that hydroquinone is most effective (especially for bacterial infections) in alkaline urine, which can be achieved with pure cranberry juice or baking soda. It’s also important to drink more than 2 L of fluid per day (e.g., water, pure juices, herbal teas) and eat lots of fresh vegetables. Exercise caution with kidney and bladder ailments as these are delicate organs and should be treated gently under the supervision of a naturopathic healthcare professional or registered herbalist.
The astringency of the leaves has both a soothing and strengthening effect on the bladder and kidneys, helping to improve the tone of these tissues; especially where there is weakness and “feeble circulation.” Uva-ursi, being an anti-bacterial, has been proven effective against other infections caused by Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Proteus spp. bacteria. In cases with antibiotic-resistant strains, it has been shown to increase the bacteria’s susceptibility to antibiotics.
Herbalist David Hoffman reports that Bearberry is also effective for some cases of bed wetting and as a douche to treat vaginal infections and ulcerations. Some of the older herbals also list it as an effective remedy for unpleasant Gonorrhea symptoms.
Indications:
- Inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract (e.g., bladder infections, cystitis, urethritis, etc.)
- Painful urination with mucous and bloody discharge
- Heavy or “dragging” feeling in the groin and/or perineum
- Gravel or calculi in urine
- Sensation of muscle tone loss in bladder/relaxation of bladder
- Ulceration of urinary tract membranes
- Anti-bacterial to E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp.
Integumentary System
Topically, uva-ursi can be used to soothe sprains and swellings; North American indigenous people used it to ease sore muscles by rubbing the wet leaves on affected areas. Older generations considered it the best home remedy to stop the spread of a poison ivy rash.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & SAFETY
- Not to be taken during pregnancy (oxytocic)
- Not suitable for infants and children under 12
- Not suitable for individuals with severely weak kidneys (too stimulating)
- Avoid long-term use; hydroquinone can have a hepatotoxic effect
- Some people experience GI irritations including constipation, nausea, and vomiting
- Ringing in ears, and harmless green urine
PREPARATIONS & APPLICATIONS
Tincture (1:5 in 25% alcohol)
2 to 4 mL taken 3x per day (for up to 1 week and not repeated more than 5x per year)
Tea
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp dried leaves. Cover with a lid and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 3x per day
Combines well with chamomile in cases of bladder and/or urethra spasms.
CAUTION: Bearberry leaves contain high levels of tannins, which may cause side effects in some people, especially at higher doses. It is not recommended for long-term use. To reduce the tannic acid, use cold water and steep the leaves for 12 to 24 hours. Adding peppermint can help decrease GI tract irritations that some people may experience.
