Uva Ursi Leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Parts used: Leaves
Properties
Alterative, antibacterial, antilithic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, lithotriptic
Primary nutrients
Iron, manganese, trace minerals, vitamin A
Herbalists have recommended uva ursi for strengthening the urinary system and preventing and treating bladder and kidney infections.  It can help increase the flow of urine.  Uva ursi works to treat many bladder and kidney problems, including pyelitis, nephritis, urolithiasis, cystitis, urethritis and urinary catarrh.  It contains astringent activity to help clean and protect the urinary system.  It helps reduce inflammation and aids with diabetes, arthritis and hemorrhaging.
Uva ursi has been studied and found to contain allantoin, a substance found to be healing and soothing to irritated tissues.  Other experiments found it to contain antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties.  It also may be useful in treating trichomoniasis – a very common sexually transmitted disease, caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called trichomonas.

Primary Applications

Cystitis
Diabetes
Gonorrhea
Kidney infections
Nephritis
Spleen ailments
Urethritis

Secondary Applications

Arthritis
Bed-wetting
Bright’s disease
Bronchitis
Diarrhea
Digestion
Dysentery
Female problems
Fevers
Gallstones
Gravel
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Liver problems
Lung congestion
Menstruation
Pancreatic ailments
Prostate problems
Rheumatism
Uric acid
Urinary incontinence
Uterine disorders
Vaginal discharge
Venereal disease
Water retention