 |
 |
 |
|
Alternative Names: Uva Ursi.
Commonly seen throughout Europe and North America, Bearberry is a short evergreen shrub with small leathery leaves. The medicinal portion is the dried leaves, which contain arbutin, methylarbutin, flavonoids, allantoin, tannins, organic acids, volatile oils, resins and others.
Source
Uva Ursi is found in a variety of products, most of them having to do with urinary tract health. Standardized extracts of Uva Ursi are available with up to 20% arbutin.
Function
Arbutin, which is usually present at 8% is considered an extremely effective urinary disinfectant. Arbutin is converted in the alkaline urine to hydroquinone, a potent disinfectant. The effect of Uva Ursi is diminished when the urine is acidic. Uva Ursi is also considered to be a diuretic.
Directions
Most products containing Uva Ursi are intended for short-term use because of the strong properties of hydroquinone, and should be limited to 2 or 3 weeks' use.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Bearberry (Uva Ursi) can help with the following: | | | | | Organ Health |  Kidney Disease | Uva ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated and inflamed tissues and supports the urinary system by promoting healthy bladder, liver and kidney functions. Uva ursi neutralizes acidity in the urine and increases urine flow and may reduce bloating and water retention. |
|
| | | | |
KEY | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Alkaline
A substance having a pH above that of neutral water (7.0) when in solution. Signified as pH (potential of Hydrogen), alkaline fluids, such as the blood (pH about 7.4), have the ability to neutralize acids (solutions below pH 7.0). Metabolic wastes are acids, and the alkaline reserve of the blood neutralizes them until they are excreted.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Urinary Tract (UT)
The kidneys and the lower urinary tract, which includes the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Last updated: Jun 01, 2008
|
 |
|
|
