Uva ursi, also called bearberry, is a traditional folk remedy that has been used by Native Americans for hundreds of years, primarily for bladder and urinary tract infections. She has worked in private practice as a dietitian in Edmonton, Canada and her nutrition-related articles have appeared in The Edmonton Journal newspaper. Negative side effects from the ingestion of uva ursi are generally mild and include nausea, vomiting, irritability and insomnia. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. Uva ursi has a history of medicinal use dating back to the 2nd century. 3. Allantoin, another compound in uva ursi, encourages wound healing in affected tissues. Folk medicine around the world has recommended Uva Ursi for nephritis, kidney stones, and chronic cystitis. Uva ursi is likely safe for short-term use in adults, but it may cause nausea, vomiting, and urine discoloration in some people. One Final Thought. Have you taken uva ursi? Always consult with a physician or other healthcare provider before taking uva ursi because of its potentially toxic side effects, such as liver damage. See also: Health Benefits of Scent Leaf – Noni Fruit Benefits. Children should not be given uva ursi under any circumstances. Because of this, uva ursi should be taken only for short periods of time not exceeding five days, and on no more than five separate occasions over the course of a year. © Copyright 1998 - 2020 | All Rights Reserved. Before any recommendations can be made, the effects of uva ursi on people with genitourinary infections need to be properly researched. Others wh… Not only that, it has also been known to amplify the effects of conventional approaches to healing. Of course, the same could be said for all food, healthy or otherwise. Do not drink cranberry juice while also taking uva ursi, as it may counter the effects of the herb. They also use it to cure headache and infections. Its astringent properties may help reduce irritation and may also encourage deposits to pass out of the kidneys. The recommended adult dosage is between two and five milligrams of the dried herb daily for up to five days. The leaves of the uva ursi shrub contain a variety of phytochemicals that display antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, particularly compounds called arbutin and hydroquinone, according to “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine.” These properties are helpful in fighting infections and minimizing tissue damage, and they explain why uva ursi has been used by traditional healers for infections of the bladder and the urinary tract. They eat the fruits once a while. Product reviews are within range of typicality. Some sources suggest too much uva ursi may be dangerous to the liver. For centuries, uva ursi has been an integral part of traditional folk healing. For centuries, uva ursi has been an integral part of traditional folk healing. Native Americans used it as a remedy for headaches, to prevent and cure scurvy and to treat ur… We pride ourselves on being your source for the best, scientifically-accurate advice for healthy living. Uva ursi is an evergreen shrub native to alpine forests in North America, Europe, Siberia and the Himalayas. Uva ursi contains hydroquinone which may be toxic to your liver. Highly-acidic urine encourages stone formation in the kidney and bladder. This natural compound found in uva ursi passes into the blood largely unchanged and has a diuretic effect, encouraging the urge to urinate. Documentation is available for legal inspection. Do not use uva ursi if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Uva ursi contains hydroquinone, which can become toxic to your liver. [3] If you’re interested in taking uva ursi and have certain liver conditions, it may be wise to discuss your options with your doctor. However, the berries are not used for medicinal purposes; rather, the leaves of the uva ursi shrub are the primary component of herbal preparations. Irritated and inflamed mucous membranes can suffer tiny cuts from crystallized minerals and toxins. Uric acid build up in the joints can also cause arthritic conditions. The healthier the tissue, the easier for urine to pass and carry away wastes and other buildup. Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruit, when taking uva ursi. You can feel confident in knowing that the information within this article is sound. Fortunately, plant-based approaches continue to prove effective against harmful organisms. However, in larger doses, uva ursi can be toxic and lead to liver damage. Marshmallow Root and Kidney Health: 4 Facts to Know, What Causes Frequent Urination in Women & How to Manage It. Because of this, uva ursi should be taken only for short periods of time not exceeding five days, and on no more than five separate occasions over the course of a year. Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract. If you’re interested in taking uva ursi and have certain liver conditions, it may be wise to discuss your options with your doctor. Ask your healthcare provider about how to ensure (with diet or supplements) that your urine is alkaline because uva ursi is not as effective with acidic urine (acidic pH in the urine destroys its antibacterial effect). If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. The overuse of antibiotic therapy, however, has resulted in numerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria issues. It continues to provide an excellent non-pharmaceutical approach to bladder, kidney, and urinary tract health. This article contains references to scientific journals and peer-reviewed research. Due to high volume with shipping carriers, orders may experience a 2-3 day delay in delivery. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine; Simon Mills and Kerry Bone, University of Maryland Medical Center: Uva Ursi, A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The anti-lithic properties of uva ursi keep the kidneys and bladder free from crystallization and have made it useful in some approaches to arthritis. [2]. Children should not be given uva ursi under any circumstances. The herb has also been used as a general tonic for weakened kidneys, liver or pancreas. Hydroquinone, a component of uva ursi leaves, is toxic in large doses and can cause serious liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It continues to provide an excellent non-pharmaceutical approach to bladder, kidney, and urinary tract health. III. Do not give uva ursi to children. Contact your doctor if you experience any negative side effects after consuming uva ursi. Uva ursi contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems. You'll be receiving an email shortly. Consult with your doctor and a professional herbalist or naturopath before you take uva ursi in any form. It has been widely used as a diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic. It remained a common approach to UTIs and kidney stones until the recent advent of antibiotics. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition called jaundice, and elevated liver enzymes that are detectable with a blood test. All testimonials and product reviews are authentic from actual customers. Get helpful articles, health tips, & natural health remedies straight to your inbox. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. With all medicinal properties contained in uva ursi, the indigenous people of America have been used it as general tonic. You should also not take doses of Uva ursi in excess of 5 times a year. Sirah Dubois is currently a PhD student in food science after having completed her master's degree in nutrition at the University of Alberta. Uva ursi leaves also contain tannins, which are strongly astringent and help to reduce inflammation. Get Dr. Group's Immunity Strengthening Guide. What Are the Benefits of Black Walnut Hull Tincture.