Spreng.
Family: Ericaceae.
Habitat: Native to North America, Europe and Asia.
English: Bearberry.
Unani: Inbud-dub, Angur-e-khiras, Reechh Daakh.
Action: Astringent, dirutic; used for urinary tract infections, dysuria, cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis.
The leaves gave 0.8-1% of a flavanol glucoside, isoquercitin, arbutin and methyl arbutin. Total arbutin content varies from 7.5 to 10.7%; tannins 15 to 20%. Arbutin hydrolyses to hydro- quinone, a urinary antiseptic.Arbutin is antimicrobial, but the crude extract of uva-ursi is more effective than isolated arbutin. In rats, uva- ursi showed anti-inflammatory activity against experimentally induced inflammation. (Natural Medicines comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Uva Ursi Tea has been known to practitioners around the globe for many centuries thanks to its active constituents that bring relief in case of liver malfunction.
Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry (because the bears seem to be very fond of these berries), is a shrub with wide branches, pale green leaves and pink flowers. The fruits are usually round and red, with black seeds. It’s not very tall: usually, it doesn’t grow taller than 3 to 6 inches and you can find it mainly in the rocky areas.
Uva Ursi Tea Properties
Uva Ursi Tea is a well known treatment for internal conditions of both the digestive and the respiratory system. The parts used to make tea are the leaves and sometimes the stem fragments which contain phenolic glycoside or arbutin, a strong astringent with antiseptic effects.
The pharmaceutical companies used the Uva Ursi extract to facial cleansers and acne treatments. Thanks to its other important ingredients, hydroquinone, tannins, hyperoside, monotropein and triterpenes, Uva Ursi Tea became more popular every year, being used many times as a panacea.
Uva Ursi Tea Benefits
Aside from its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, Uva Ursi Tea is a great remedy in case you are suffering from one of the following conditions:
- Urinary tract infections or vaginitis, by disinfecting the affected area and enhancing the alkaline level.
- Kidney infections caused by accumulations of uric acid that may also lead to kidney stones and other related problems.
- Bronchitis and nephritis, by calming the inflammations and inhibiting the mucus and phlegm production.
- Back pains, thanks to its elevated vitamin C level that refreshes the entire system and helps you maintain a good general health.
- Lithuria, cystitis, dysuria, pyelitis and other internal problems.
How to make Uva Ursi Tea Infusion
When you are preparing Uva Ursi Tea, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind: Uva Ursi leaves are slightly impervious to water, so what you want to do is soak them in hot water first. Use one teaspoon of leaves for every cup of tea you want to make.
Put the herbs in a teapot, add water and let it boil for 15 or 20 minutes. Uva Ursi leaves are quite woody so you need to wait a little longer for the active ingredients to be released. Drink it hot or cold, but not more than 2 cups per day. Uva Ursi Tea has a gentle, aromatic and citric flavor.
Uva Ursi Tea Side Effects
When taken properly, Uva Ursi Tea is safe. However, high dosages may lead to a number of allergic reactions or problems, such as nausea, vomiting, discoloration of the urine, liver damage, convulsions and even death. If you are experiencing an unusual episode after taking Uva Ursi Tea, ask a specialist and don’t try to treat it yourself at home!
Uva Ursi Tea Contraindications
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking Uva Ursi Tea. Also, if you are allergic to vitamin C, don’t start a treatment based on Uva Ursi Tea under no circumstances! It may cause you irreparable damages.
Before taking any kind of herbal treatment, talk to a herbalist or just ask your doctor. If he says it’s ok, add Uva Ursi Tea to your shopping list and give it a try! Enjoy the wonderful benefits of this tea responsibly!... uva ursi tea - bronchitis treatment
Health Encyclopedia