uva ursi
uva ursi
Low growing ground cover shrub (only a few inches tall) with fine hairy bark, white or pink flowers, red berry and shiny plastic-like leaves. Dried leaves used as tea for urinary tract problems, gonorrhea, kidney stones and bronchitis. Astringent. Helpful for diarrhea and dysentery. Uva Ursi leaf contains powerful phytochemicals such as volatile oils, arbutin, quercitin, mallic and gallic acids. Arbutin is highly antibacterial and destroys bacteria and fungus that infect the urinary system such as E. Coli, Candida, Staph. Mallic and Gallic acids- the same as found in apples and ACV have long been used for kidney and bladder infections. Also used to lower excessive sugar in blood. Helps to take with a half teaspoon of baking soda in Uva Ursi tea. (Do not take baking soda if you have a weak stomach.) High level of tannins can produce stomach-ache, nausea and vomiting. Not recommended for children or people with kidney disease. Don’t take for more than a week or liver damage could result. Don’t take while pregnant.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz