What is Uva Ursi Leaf?
Posted by DrNatura on Apr 5th 2022
Uva Ursi Leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Grown in northern Europe, the Alps, northern Asia and North America, uva ursi can be found in light, dry pine and larch forests, in dwarf-shrub areas, in bogs, and in the mountains among dwarf pines.1 Only the leaves – finely chopped or coarsely ground – are used for medicinal purposes.2
What it is used for: Traditionally, uva ursi has been used to help clear up urinary tract infections.3 It is a potent antibiotic and diuretic, and it is also high in astringent tannins.4 It has been know to help the spleen, liver, pancreas, and small intestine, and useful for bladder and kidney infections.5 It is also antimicrobial.6
Research Highlights: Uva ursi had a prophylactic effect on recurrent cystitis in a double-blind, randomized study. None of the patients who took the uva ursi-containing supplement provided had a recurrence, compared to 23% of those who received a placebo.7 Another study conducted on rats proved uva ursi’s diuretic effect.8 The most medically significant compound in uva ursi seems to be arbutin, which, when transformed by the body into hydroquinone, acts as a strong disinfectant.9
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References:
1. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing. (2000). International Masters Publishers, AB., 1:24.
2. Ibid.
3. Armstrong, D. (2001). Herbs That Work. Ulysses Press, pg. 151.
4. Ibid.
5. Balch, P. & Balch, J. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd ed., Avery Publishing, pg. 111.
6. PDR For Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. (2004). Thompson PDR, pg. 848.
7. Ibid.
8. PDR For Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. (2004). Thompson PDR, pg. 849.
9. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing. (2000). International Masters Publishers, AB., 1:24.