Bearberry 4:1

Botanical: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Family: Ericaceae (blueberry-heath)

Other common names:  Uva Ursi, Bear's Grape, Crowberry, Foxberry, Hog Cranberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Arbutus, Manzanita, Mountain Cranberry, Mountain Box, Hogberry

Bearberry, commonly known as Uva Ursi, has a long history of use as an herbal tonic for urinary tract health.  It stimulates the kidneys and the bladder, and it nourishes the entire urinary system.  Bearberry is a woman's favorite for promoting water-weight balance.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Bearberry is a small perennial shrub that typically grows at high elevations.  In Latin, Uva means "grape," and Ursi means "of the bear," hence, we have the herb's common name.  Bears like eating the red berries, as did Native Americans. Most commercial Bearberry is grown in Spain, where the herb's Spanish name, Manzanita, means "little apple," as the berries look like the fruit.  The parts of this herb used medicinally are the leaves and the berries. Bearberry leaf is widely used as a diuretic, astringent and antiseptic. Folk medicine around the world has recommended Bearberry for nephritis, kidney stones and chronic cystitis.  The herb has also been used as a general tonic for weakened kidneys, liver or pancreas. In Scandinavia, the leaves are sometimes used to tan leather (because of its high tannin content).  The berries can be cooked along with other foods; however, when raw, the berries are bland, but they do help to quench thirst and stimulate saliva flow and can be used as a "survival food."  The berries can also be made into a cider.  The primary chemical constituents of this herb include glycosides (arbutin, methylarbutin, ericolin), allantoin, flavonoids (quercetin, myricacitrin), tannins, hydroquinone, ellagic acid, gallic acid, malic acid and ursolic acid.  It also contains vitamin A, iron, manganese, selenium and silicon. Bearberry contains a high concentration of arbutin, an antiseptic phenolic glycoside.  Arbutin and other glycosides have diuretic and urinary antiseptic action. They relieve pain from bladder stones, cystitis, nephritis and kidney stones.  In the urinary tract, the arbutin constituent is converted in the body to hydroquinones and glucose, which have antiseptic and disinfecting properties and also help to alkalinize the urine.  The hydroquinone may turn the urine green, which is not harmful.  Bearberry also contains allantoin which is well known for its soothing and tissue-repairing properties, and it works best when one avoids acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and juices, cranberry products, sauerkraut and vitamin C.  This herb helps prevent postpartum infection and is also helpful for chronic diarrhea.  As a nutritional supplement and muscle relaxant, Bearberry soothes, strengthens and tightens irritated or inflamed tissues.  The herb neutralizes acidity in the urine, increasing urine flow, therefore reducing bloating and water retention, which may be beneficial for weight loss.  Bearberry's astringent properties may also assist in the treatment of some bed wetting problems.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant women, nursing women, and children under the age of twelve should not use Bearberry.  As per the German Commission E, use of Bearberry should be limited to no more than fourteen days at a time, and your overall use of this herb should be limited to no more than five treatment cycles each year.  Excessive amounts (many times the recommended dosage) should not be taken, as it may be irritating to the stomach mucosa.  People with chronic kidney disease, peptic ulcers or duodenal ulcers should avoid this herb, and its use may aggravate gastro-esophageal reflux disease.  Use of this herb may turn the urine a greenish color, which is not harmful.

Capsule Information:
Our Bearberry supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mg. each.