Uva Ursi Leaf (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Uva Ursi is an evergreen shrub in the heather family also known as upland cranberry, barberry, bear's grape, and common bearberry. The latter common names refer to the red berries being a preferred snack for bears. While the fruits of the plant provide food for wildlife, the leaves, harvested in autumn, have historically been used to counter infection and inflammation.
It is trailing plant that survives where many plants don’t, including the alpine forests of the Himalayas, Siberia, northern Europe and North America.
Uva Ursi has a long history of use by Native Americans. The leaves, which contain astringent tannins, arbutin and hydroquinone, are traditionally used to make poultices, salves and other topical preparations.
Origin: Spain
Active Compounds: Tannins, arbutin and hydroquinone.
Plant Part Used: Aerial, whole leaf
Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dark place, preferably in a sealed glass jar or tin.
Appearance and Aroma: Oval leaves, without remarkable aroma.
Cosmetic Uses: Use hot water or oil infusions to make skin lotions, ointments and salves.
Culinary Uses: Use in tea blends.
Flavor Profile: Bitter in flavor. Combine with green tea or black tea and perhaps other herbs when preparing as tea.
Safety: Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use in conjunction with pharmaceutical diuretics. Avoid this herb if there is a history of liver or kidney disease. This herb is not intended for long-term use due to a risk of liver damage.
Safety: One of the active compounds in this herb, hydroquinone, dictates that it should only be used internally for brief periods – no more than a week at a time and not more than 4 or 5 times in a year.
Consult your physician before using this herb, especially if you have a chronic condition or take pharmaceutical medications, are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by Canada Health or the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.