The Bearberry, or Uva Ursi, is a small shrub with a single long, fibrous main root that sends out many short, woody, trailing stems. They are covered in brown or reddish bark and form thick masses. Long shoots covered with soft hairs rise upward from the stems. The leaves of Uva Ursi are evergreen and leathery, about an inch long. The upper surface is glossy, dark green with deep veins, and a lighter green underneath. Uva ursi is used to treat urinary tract infections, cystitis (bladder inflammation), and kidney stones. 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.
Here are some of the uses:
-Uva ursi has muscle relaxant properties making it beneficial for those who suffer from digestive problems and menstrual cramps.
-The uva ursi herb when used as a tonic can boost the function of ailing liver and kidneys. It
