(Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Description
Uva-ursi, or bearberry, is a small evergreen shrub whose leaves are used medicinally because of the compound arbutin.
Health Benefits
- Bladder infections: Prevents bladder infections, as shown in clinical studies where uva-ursi reduced the recurrence of infections.
Available Forms
- Crude leaves, capsules, tablets, tinctures, fluid extracts, and dry powder extracts: Preferred extracts contain a concentration of arbutin.
Dosage
Taken three times daily with a glass of water:
- Dried leaves or infusion (tea): 1.5–4 g.
- Tincture (1:5): 4–6 mL.
- Fluid extract (1:1): 1–2 mL.
- Dry powdered extract (10%): 250–500 mg.