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Uva-Ursi
Latin Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Family: Ericaceae |
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Climate range.................................. Aspect range.................................... Mature height................................... Mature width.................................... Special purpose............................... Foliage type..................................... Soil Type.......................................... Propagation..................................... Sow-Plant........................................ Space Apart..................................... Flowering Season............................ Flower Color.................................... |
Temperate, Cool Full sun, Part sun 20" shrub Medicinal, Culinary, Tobacco Perennial, Native to Kootenays pH7 Seed, Plant Spring 6" Spring White or Pink |
COMMENTS:
Other common names are Kinnikinik and Bearberry. Uva-ursi is a low, mat-forming, evergreen shrub with long trialing stems with tough flexible stems. The flowers are urn-shaped, pinkish white in the Spring. Red autumn berries.
Uses: The raw or dried berries make necklaces and rattles and are relied on as a bland survival food improved by cooking. The stems and leaves are brewed by native Americans to treat headaches and to prevent and cure scurvy. They act as a diuretic and antibacterial treatment for cystitis and urinary tract disorders and are applied externally for back sprain. The roots have long been used as a dysentery cure. The leaves form a tobacco substitute, used in ceremonies of the Blackfoot tribe. The aerial parts yeild yellow, green and gray dyes.
Urinary Ailments: In the urinary tract, the arbutin in Uva Ursi is chemically transformed into an antiseptic chemical, hydroquinone. Also contains diuretic chemicals, including ursolic acid, powerful astringents, and a chemical that helps promote the growth of healthy new cells, allatoin. For best results avoid all acidic foods and supplements such as oranges, Vit c, and juices as the urine needs to be alkaline.
Women's Health: The diuretic action may relieve the bloating feeling associated with menstruation. Do not use if nursing or pregnant.
High Blood Pressure: Diuretics are often precribed to treat high blood pressure. However as they also deplete the body's potassium, increase your intake of fresh vegetables and bananas. Diuretics are also prescribed for congestive heart failure.
Wound Healing: 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.
Dosage: For wound healing try sprinkling the dry herb directly on the infected area. Alternately you can add the dry herb to your favorite cream or lip balm. To decrease the unpleasant taste of the atringent tannins soak the herb overnight in water. To treat urinary complaints & diarrhea simmer 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day.
NOTE: The linked words above will take you to more products for those conditions. Other pages of interest: Kidneys, Lungs.


UVA URSI - Urinary Function
6.8 oz

Uva Ursi Leaves - 455 mg 100 cap

Uva Ursi Extract - Standardized, 60 cap


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