Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Plant Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Description

Bearberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub growing 10-30 cm tall, spreading by trailing stems. Small, leathery, oval leaves. Pink to white urn-shaped flowers followed by red berries.

Cautions

Not for long-term use (limit to 1-2 weeks). Contains hydroquinone derivatives. Not for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children. Not for kidney disease.

Habitat

Heath, moors, pine forests, rocky areas. Acidic, well-drained soil.

Harvest Instructions

Leaves harvested in autumn when active constituent levels are highest.

Geographic Distribution

Circumpolar in arctic and subarctic regions. Also in mountains of temperate zones.

Growth Conditions

Full sun to partial shade. Acidic, sandy, well-drained soil. Very hardy.

Plant Size

10-30 cm

Body Systems

Urinary

Effects on the Body

Specific for urinary tract infections. Arbutin converts to hydroquinone in alkaline urine, providing antimicrobial effect.

Active Constituents

Arbutin, hydroquinone (from arbutin metabolism), tannins, flavonoids, ursolic acid.

Safety Information

Dosage

Tea: 1.5-4 g dried leaves in cold water, steep several hours or simmer briefly. Take with alkalinizing foods.

Culinary Use

Berries edible but mealy and bland. Historically used as survival food.

Folklore & Historical Use

Used by Native Americans and in European folk medicine for urinary complaints. Bears reportedly eat the berries, hence the name.

Scientific Research

European Medicines Agency approves for mild urinary tract infections. Contains arbutin with documented antibacterial effects against E. coli. German Commission E approves for inflammatory conditions of urinary tract.