uva ursi

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Please do not self-medicate unless you know it is safe.

It may be tempting when trying to self-treat to take herbs without a physician’s supervision, but it is not wise. Uva-ursi is similar to blueberries but has a much wider application when used as alternative medicine, however,  it is the leaves which are used.  Other names this herb is known as are:

  • Arctostaphylos
  • Bear’s grape
  • Crowberry
  • Foxberry
  • Hogberry
  • Kinnikinnick
  • Manzanita
  • Mountain box
  • Rockberry

It may be sold as:

  • Arctuvan
  • Solvefort
  • Uroflux
  • Uvalyst
  • Uva-ursi

It’s leaves may be sold in the form of drops, teas, tablets or crushed leaves.

blackberries

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The glowing reports would make one want to rush right out and buy some to try it immediately. It’s claims include:

  • Medicinal part – leaves used to treat:
    • Diabetes
    • Kidney and bladder infections
    • Disorders of the small intestines, spleen, liver and pancreas
    • Strengthens heart muscle
    • Tones and balances urinary passages
    • Aids in treatment of kidney stones, hemorrhoids and gonorrhea
    • Internal bleeding; (it is hemostatic*)
    • Fluid retention
    • And it cleanses the body of unwanted microbes.

Hemostatic is defined as an agent that arrests internal bleeding.

Rodale’s Enclyopedia of Natural Home Remedies advises that a patient complaining of recurring bladder infections began drinking uva ursi tea throughout the day interspersed with small glasses of cranberry juice and found the infection simply disappeared.

Uva Ursi does pose some risks.

  • It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing.
  • It should not be taken by anyone who is currently taking a diuretic.
  • It should not be taken by anyone who is taken medicine or supplements which may make the urine acidic such as absorbic acid or Urex.
  • There is a chemical known as hydroquinone present in uva ursi which can cause serious problems (due to it’s toxicity) to the liver.
  • It should not be taken more than five consecutive days and no more than five times per year.
  • It should only be taken under supervision of a health care professional.

Known side effects:

  • A bluish-gray tint to the skin
  • Green urine
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

More than 20 grams per day (not recommended) may cause:

  • Ear ringing
  • Collapse of the blood vessels
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting

Please seek a medical professional’s advice when ill.

In conclusion while nature has much to offer mankind in the way of natural remedies, it is wise to consult a knowledgeable source before attempting self-treatment.  This herb, used correctly, may very well be beneficial to one’s health, but used incorrectly could prove to be harmful.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/132315-negative-side-effects-uva-ursi/

Rodale’s Enclyopedia of Natural Home Remedies

The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines by Charles W. Fetrow, PharmD and Juan R. Avila, PharmD

The Vitamin Herb Guide by Global Health

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About HardworkinJudy

Judy Sheldon has written 10 articles at E-infopages.com.

She is a woman of a deep and abiding faith; a friend, wife, mother, grandmother, passionate writer, avid blogger and a seeker of natural remedies and better nutrition.

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