UVA URSI (ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI)  Herbs
 Vitamins & Minerals
 Multi Formulas
 Nutrients
 Pre/Probiotics
 Antioxidants
 Bee Health
 Aromatherapy
 Toiletries
 Creams & Gels
 S.A.D Light Therapy
 Mother & Baby Care
 Around The Home
 Books & Misc
 Gift Ideas


 Abdominal Problems
 Acne
 Adrenal Disorder
 Ageing
 Aphrodisiacs (Female)
 Aphrodisiacs (Male)
 Breast Enhancement
 Cellulite
 Depression
 Detox
 Digestion
 Hair
 Immune Boosting
 Joint & Muscle Care
 Liver
 Menopause
 Weight Loss




 Delivery
 A-Z Product List
 Magazines
 FAQ
 Customer Comments
 Contact Us


« Sage Liver Wild Yam »


Also a member of:   Herbs

Uva Ursi

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Uva Ursi  
The leaves of this small shrub have been used as an herbal folk medicine for centuries as a mild diuretic and astringent, and in the treatment of urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis, pyelitis and in pyelonephritis. Uva-ursi is thought to help reduce accumulations of uric acid and relieve the pain of bladder stones. Uva Ursi is also thought to be helpful for chronic diarrhea. As a nutritional supplement and muscle relaxant, Uva Ursi is thought to soothe, strengthen and tighten irritated and inflamed tissues.


Type Buy: 1+ 5+ Qty
Suitable for Vegans 50ml Liquiforce Tincture  
Pay:  £5.95   £5.25 

Delivery Info Please note: Tinctures contain alcohol
so please use responsibly.



Uva Ursi Information:


Uva Ursi has a history of medicinal use dating back to the 2nd century. It has been widely used as a diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic. Folk medicine around the world has recommended Uva Ursi for nephritis, kidney stones, and chronic cystitis. The herb has also been used as a general tonic for weakened kidneys, liver or pancreas. Native Americans used it as a remedy for headaches, to prevent and cure scurvy and to treat urinary tract infections. In fact, until the discovery of sulfa drugs and anti-biotics, Uva Ursi was the treatment of choice for such bladder and related infections. Through modern day scientific research in test tubes and animals, Uva Ursi's antimicrobial properties, which can help fight infection, and diuretic effects have been demonstrated.

Uva Ursi may be of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane. Therefore, it is used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.

This herb helps prevent postpartum infection. Uva Ursi is also helpful for chronic diarrhea. As a nutritional supplement and muscle relaxant, Uva Ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated and inflamed tissues. The herb neutralizes acidity in the urine, increasing urine flow, therefore reducing bloating and water retention, making it beneficial for weight loss. Uva Ursi's astringent properties may also assist in the treatment of some bed wetting problems.

Illustration of an Uva Ursi plant.
Uva Ursi also contains allantoin which is well known for its soothing and tissue-repairing properties. Externally, it has been used as an astringent wash for cuts and scrapes and applied externally for back sprain.

Urinary Tract Infections

Uva Ursi contains chemicals, primarily hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, that make it potentially useful for urinary conditions and is used to treat infections such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis. The hydroquinone derivative, arbutin, is the chief active compound in Uva Ursi. It is absorbed in the stomach and converted into a substance with antimicrobial, astringent, and disinfectant properties. During urination, as it passes out of the body, it acts on the mucus membranes of the urinary tract to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and fight infection. Interestingly, arbutin taken alone is not as effective as the whole Uva Ursi plant in controlling urinary tract infections. That's because intestinal bacteria can break down arbutin, but they are less likely to do so in the presence of other Uva Ursi compounds.

Uva Ursi has been approved for treating inflammation of the lower urinary tract by Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, which is the German governmental agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal products. An astringent shrinks and tightens the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness.

Uva Ursi also contains diuretic chemicals, including ursolic acid, powerful astringents, and a chemical that helps promote the growth of healthy new cells, allatoin. In addition to its antiseptic and astringent actions, Uva Ursi may help to flush out bacteria by promoting urination. It has been used to reduce the accumulation of uric acid and relieve pain of bladder stones. The diuretic action may relieve the bloating feeling associated with menstruation.

E. Coli

Uva Ursi has been reported to be effective against E. coli. Preparations made from bearberries act anti-bacterially in vitro against Proteus vulgaris, E. coli, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aerginosa, Friedl?nder's pneumonia, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus strains, as well as against Candida albicans. The anti-microbial effect is associated with the aglycone hydroquinone released from arbutin (transport form) or arbutin waste products in the alkaline urine.

Hhigh Blood Pressure

Diuretics are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure. However as they also deplete the body's potassium, it is advisable to increase your intake of fresh vegetables and bananas. Diuretics are also prescribed for congestive heart failure. However, consultation with a doctor before using Uva Ursi for these reasons is advisable.

Wwounds/Infections

Allantoin contained in Uva Ursi is an active ingredient in many over the counter creams to treat cold sores, herpes, and vaginal infections.

Diarrhea

Astringent tannins found in this herb are binding and help relieve diarrhea.

Latin Names: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Common Names: Arberry, Arbutus, Bearberry, Bear's Berry, Bear's Grape, Carillo, Chipmunk's Apples, Coralillo, Crowberry, Foxberry, Hogberry, Kinnikinnick, Manzanita, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain Cranberry, Mountain Tobacco, Pinemat Manzanita, Red Bearberry, Rockberry, Sandberry, Sagackhomi, Sagakomi, Upland Cranberry, Uva-Ursi, Whortleberry.

Properties:
Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-septic, astringent, diuretic, relaxant (muscle), tonic for kidneys, liver and pancreas.

Indicated for:
Chronic diarrhea, cystitis, gonorrhea, nephritis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis, urinary tract infections, reduce accumulations of uric acid, relieve the pain of bladder stone, soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated and inflamed tissues, treat cold sores, herpes, and vaginal infections.

15-25 drops to be taken in a little juice or water, two or three times daily. Use boiling water to reduce alcohol.

To effectively fight a urinary tract infection with Uva Ursi, your urine must be alkaline. You may be able to help maintain an alkaline pH by consuming plenty of dairy products and non-citrus fruits. By the same token, avoid taking Uva Ursi with substances that have the reverse effect, acidifying the urine--such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vitamin C supplements. (See notes).

Notes:

Many people experience urinary tract infections as a frequent urge to urinate and a burning or otherwise painful sensation when voiding. Consult a doctor if these kinds of signs or symptoms persist for more than 24 to 36 hours because potentially serious complications can develop, including kidney problems.

Because of a lack of information regarding safety, children, people with kidney disease, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers should not take Uva Ursi. Large doses may stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy. People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using Uva Ursi.


Because Uva Ursi requires an alkaline urine for its antimicrobial properties to work, those taking Uva Ursi should avoid eating acidic foods like citrus, pineapple, tomato. Prescription drugs such as ammonium chloride, non-prescription products such as vitamin C, herbals such as rose hips, and foods such as cranberry juice may all make the urine more acidic in nature. Potentially, taking a urine acidifier may lessen or destroy the antibacterial effects of Uva Ursi.

On the other hand, urinary alkalizers, drugs such as antacids, Bicitra, K-lyte, Polycitra, and sodium bicarbonate; herbals such as alfalfa and peppermint; and foods such as molasses, raisins, spinach, and some dried beans reduce the acid levels in urine, which may increase Uva Ursi's antibacterial effects.

Uva Ursi should only be taken for short periods (no longer than a week), and not repeated more than five times in one year.

While some people with sensitive stomachs develop nausea and vomiting with Uva Ursi, the herb appears to be quite safe for most people when taken at commonly recommended doses. However, high doses can cause a disconcerting, although apparently harmless, greenish-brown discoloration of the urine.

Extremely high doses of Uva Ursi, in the range of 10 times greater than the commonly recommended amount, can cause vomiting, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, convulsions, and collapse in some cases. Liver damage is also a risk with high doses taken over extended periods of time. In a dose of 6,000 mg (6 grams) or higher taken at one time, Uva Ursi may cause seizures or cyanosis (a blue tint to the skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood). Single doses of 30,000 mg (30 grams) or higher have been reported to cause death. A case study of several individuals who regularly used large amounts of an oral product similar to Uva Ursi for many years, found that they had a higher incidence of tongue and lip cancer than expected. Cancers of the nose and esophagus may also be more likely in people who use large amounts of tannin-containing products for long amounts of time.




People who bought Uva Ursi also bought:
 
Cranberry 5000 (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry juice has evolved, much like Aloe vera, as a quintessential American folk remedy; so well-known as a cure for urinary infections that it prompted scientists to begin to investigate its value more than seventy years ago. Recent studies have shown it can reduce the ability of E. coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra, reducing the potential for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries are also high in antioxidants and contain a potent vasodilator.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Echinacea is thought to stimulate the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. Unlike antibiotics, which directly attack bacteria, echinacea is thought to make our own immune cells more efficient at attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells. It is used to boost white blood cell response, mimic the activity of interferon (the bodies main anti-viral defence) and to fight colds, coughs, flu, upper respiratory conditions, enlarged lymph glands, sore throats, urinary tract infections, boils, acne, duodenal ulcers, flu, herpes, candida and persistant infections.
Olive leaf (Olea europaea)
Olive leaf was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt. It is gaining recognition as a powerful defender against sickness and numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the extract's beneficial properties. The reported benefits of olive leaf extract's range from promoting increased energy and healthy blood pressure, to supporting the cardiovascular system, and the immune system. Contains 500mg herb per tablet (6% Oleuropein). Suitable for vegetarians.



Not Logged in  
Log in now  


"value for money."
9th May 07

"I ordered the product on-line and it came a fews days later by post and in good condition. I also received an e-mail to confirm my purchase on-line and to confirm when it would be posted off to me. I was also advised on the progression of my order. Very good service indeed!! I would turn again to your company when my wife's supply of red clover runs done."
22nd Jul 07

"I live in Spain where there is not a good selection of herbs, and those that are here are expensive. I thought the website was excellent with the information it provided and the history of each herb. Postal service was quicker than I thought it would be."
13th Sep 06

*
Please read our information regarding category / ailment lists on our terms and conditions page.
Website Operated and Copyright © 2003-2008 by HallNet Ltd
Terms and conditions, Privacy and Returns Policy
Comments / Suggestions - Contact Us

Read Your Store Reviews