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Bearberry as an Herb
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Bearberry is the leaf of a member of the heath family. The generic name, derived from the Greek, and the Latin specific name, UvaUrsi, mean the same: the Bear's grape, and may have been given to the plant, either from the notion that bears eat the fruit with relish, or from its very rough, unpleasant flavor, which might have been considered only fit for bears.
Traditionally, the astringent leaves have been used for diarrhea and dysentery and for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems. It folk medicine it was a treatment for bronchitis. Bearberry was long used as a urinary antiseptic by physicians. It is official in nearly all Pharmacopceias, some of which use the name Arbutus. It was official in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.
Bearberry is a safe and effective herb whose use is far more complicated than simply preparing an herb tea.
Medicinal Uses of Bearberry
Bearberry, often described as a diuretic, does not in fact promote urination. Instead, it serves as a urinary antiseptic in that it forms chemicals which kill or inhibit bacteria in the urinary tract. In Germany, bearberry is approved as an official urinary antiseptic. The diuretic action is due to the Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin has an antiseptic effect.
Besides the simple infusion (1 ounce of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water), the combination of 1/2 ounce each of Uva-Ursi, Poplar Bark and Marshmallow root, infused in 1 pint of water for 20 minutes is used with advantage.
The dried leaves are the only part of the plant used in medicine. In Europe, coated tablets that dissolve in the intestinal tract instead of the stomach, are available, minimizing potential side effects.
Bearberry is high in tannins, which can produce stomachache, nausea, and vomiting. If you have a weak stomach, avoid bearberry. It is generally not recommended for children. Use should not be continued for more than a week except under the direction of a physician, as overuse may cause liver damage.
The tannin in the leaves is so abundant that they have been used for tanning leather in Sweden and Russia.
Native Americans added the leaves to 'kinnikinnick' (a smoking mixture) in their peace pipes; this was smoked during tribal councils; was believed to be calming and mentally clarifying. The word 'kinnikinnick' is Algonkian, Cree, or Ojibwa, meaning 'that which is mixed'. 'Sagacomin' is an Algonkian word meaning 'smoking leaf berry'.
Tinctures
Up to 4 ml 3 times daily (1 to 2 ml average dose or 10 to 20 drops) in water.
Compound tincture: 2 to 15 drops tincture of quaking aspen, 10 to 20 drops tincture of bearberry; combine, take 10 to 20 drops.
Other: Soak dried powdered leaves in brandy, then take a small amount mixed in water; OR, leaves can be soaked in brandy or other alcohol with 1 tsp of the soaked leaves added to 1 cup of boiling water and taken 2 to 3 cups per day, cold. Leaves can also be soaked in brandy for 1 week before making an infusion; add 1 tsp of brandy to 1 cup of the infusion.
Culinary
The fruit (kinnikinnick) is used the same as Manzanita; also used for seasoning meats.
Arthritis Tea: Combine equal parts bearberry leaves, black cohosh, chamomile, cascara sagrada, pokeweed root and sassafras; steep 1-1/2 teaspoon of the mixture in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; take 1 cup morning and evening.
Culinary uses are not recommended or all that safe.
Cautions
Not to be taken by children, or those with kidney disease.
High doses cause nausea and can actually inflame the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. Overuse can cause symptoms of poisoning. Long term use can cause liver damage, especially in children.
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.