Uva Ursi - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi), often called as bearberry (because bears enjoy eating the fruit), has been used medicinally since the second century. It was a treatment for urinary tract infections among Native Americans. In reality, uva ursi was a widely used treatment for infections of the bladder before the development of sulfa medications and antibiotics.

Plant description of Uva ursi: 

Uva ursi is a trailing evergreen shrub that thrives in alpine forests throughout many continents, including North America, Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, Siberia, and the Himalayas. It yields red berries. It develops slowly yet thrives in environments where other plants can't, such as the canyon walls. It features reddish-brown, short, creeping branches and pink or white bell-shaped summer flowers, which are followed by clusters of berries. The edible but sour fruit, which is glossy and brilliant red or pink, is known to be a favourite of bears.

Usage of uva ursi:

Uva ursi leaves have been utilised in herbal supplements as a natural medicine to help treat cystitis (bladder infections) and UTIs. The plants include arbutin and glycosides, two naturally occurring compounds with anti-infection capabilities.

Glycosides may aid in lowering the number of bacteria in your urine. Glycosides are converted by your body into hydroquinone, an antimicrobial substance.

Additionally, uva ursi includes tannins, which may dry up your tissues through an astringent impact.

Some people contend that the astringent impact might lessen inflammation, which in turn helps fight infection. However, more study is required to verify the anti-inflammatory properties.

Because it chemically manufactures hydroquinone, an ingredient in skin-lightening lotions, uva ursi has also been applied topically (to the skin's surface). Dark skin patches that appear as a result of skin damage are treated with hydroquinone.

Health benefits of uva ursi:

Uva Ursi for skin:

The advantages of uva ursi for the skin are exceptional and unparalleled. The bearberry plant's arbutin reduces your body's creation of melanin. The pigment melanin is responsible for giving you the colour of your skin. Your skin's colour will be darker the more melanin you have. We want you to be at ease with yourself. Use these organic products nonetheless to brighten your skin tone. The extract can be used in cosmetic products to treat age spots and fine wrinkles.

Uva Ursi for Urinary Tract Infection and Kidney Stones: 

Due to its antibacterial properties, uva ursi is widely used in traditional medicine and has been shown to dissolve kidney and bladder stones. Chemical hydroquinone aids in the procedure. However, even though it's a natural substance, it is advised that you speak with a medical professional before taking any uva ursi dosage for kidney stones. An increasing dosage can harm the liver and cause other issues. A balanced UTI diet and ava ursi can help one fight the illness.

Treatment of constipation, relief from bladder inflammation (cystitis), weight reduction promotion, and health and wellness promotion are other advantages.