Uva Ursi Leaves Cut and Sifted for Herbal Tea

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also known as bearberry, is a potent, traditional herb with a long history of use in urinary tract health, particularly for its antimicrobial, astringent, and anti-inflammatory actions. While not a “daily tea” herb due to its strength, it has been an essential part of traditional herbal medicine for acute conditions — especially bladder and kidney infections.

UVA URSI (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Family: Ericaceae (Heath family)
Energetics: Cooling, drying
Taste: Bitter, astringent
Parts used: Leaves (not berries)

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND

Ancient Use and Indigenous Traditions

• The name "uva ursi" means “bear’s grape” in Latin — because bears are known to favor its small red berries. The leaves, however, are the medicinal part.

• Used for centuries in European herbalism for bladder infections, kidney stones, and as a diuretic.

• Native American tribes extensively used uva ursi for:

  • Bladder and kidney issues

  • Inflammation of the urinary tract

  • Smoked ceremonially (often mixed with other herbs like kinnickinnick)

  • Used as a poultice for wounds, and a wash for sores and infections.

Historical Texts

• 13th-century herbal texts mention its use for “purging the kidneys.”

• By the 1700s, uva ursi was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia as a key treatment for urinary complaints.

• It remained a formal part of Western materia medica into the early 20th century before being replaced by antibiotics in conventional medicine.

HERBAL ACTIONS AND BENEFITS

Uva ursi is a powerful urinary antiseptic, especially valuable when there’s infection, inflammation, or irritation in the urinary tract.

1. Urinary Antiseptic

• Contains arbutin, a compound that converts to hydroquinone in the body — a potent antimicrobial against E. coli, Proteus, Staphylococcus, and other urinary pathogens.

• Most effective in alkaline urine, where arbutin converts more readily.

2. Astringent and Anti-inflammatory

• Tannins in the leaf tighten tissues, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation.

• Ideal for burning urination, painful bladder infections, or interstitial cystitis.

3. Diuretic

• Encourages the release of fluid from the kidneys and bladder.

• Helps flush out bacteria and reduce water retention.

4. Wound Healing (Topical Use)

• Traditionally applied to wounds, ulcers, and sores due to its antimicrobial and astringent qualities.

HOW TO USE UVA URSI IN TEA (SAFELY)

Uva ursi is not a tonic herb — it should only be used short-term, typically for acute urinary tract conditions. Its bitterness and astringency are strong, but its action is focused and effective.

BASIC UVA URSI TEA (For UTI Support)

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping tsp dried uva ursi leaf

• 1.5 to 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place uva ursi leaf in a pot with water.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer, not a full boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Strain and sip 1/2 cup at a time, up to 2 cups daily.

4. Use for no more than 5–7 days at a time.

Tip: Uva ursi is more effective when urine is alkaline. Avoid acidic foods (like citrus, coffee, vinegar) while using it, or consider combining with alkalizing herbs (like horsetail or corn silk).

TEA BLEND SUGGESTIONS (For Urinary Health)

1. UTI Relief Blend

Targets acute bladder infections and irritation.

• 1 tsp uva ursi

• 1 tsp corn silk (soothing diuretic)

• 1/2 tsp marshmallow root (demulcent, cooling)

• 1/2 tsp calendula (anti-inflammatory)

Simmer uva ursi alone; steep the others separately, then combine. Drink up to 2 cups/day for 5 days.

2. Kidney Flush Tea

A gentle cleansing blend — helpful post-infection or for chronic congestion.

• 1 tsp uva ursi

• 1 tsp parsley leaf (diuretic)

• 1/2 tsp dandelion leaf (liver + kidney support)

• 1/2 tsp nettle (mineral-rich tonic)

Simmer uva ursi and combine with the rest steeped separately. Use for 3–5 days only.

3. Soothing Urinary Calm Tea

For interstitial cystitis, burning urination, or post-UTI irritation.

• 1 tsp uva ursi

• 1 tsp plantain leaf (cooling + demulcent)

• 1/2 tsp marshmallow root

• 1/4 tsp licorice root

Use for 3–4 days at most. Helps calm spasms and reduce rawness.

ENERGETICS & HERBAL ACTIONS

• Temperature: Cooling

• Moisture: Drying

• Primary Actions: Urinary antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory

• Systems Affected: Urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, lymphatics

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

• Short-term use only (max 7–10 days) due to the hydroquinone content. Long-term use can cause liver stress and irritation.

• Not recommended in pregnancy (stimulates uterine contractions).

• Avoid if you have liver disease, Crohn’s, or kidney inflammation.

• Works best with alkaline urine — avoid acidic foods and consider testing urinary pH.

• May interact with medications that affect the liver, kidneys, or diuretics.

SUMMARY

Uva ursi is a time-honored herb of precision — not for everyday use, but invaluable in acute urinary tract conditions. It offers fast, effective relief for bladder infections, burning urination, and kidney irritation when used properly, and shines as a part of focused herbal protocols.