Herbs - Uva Ursi - Ailments / Situations Where Used

Uva-ursi has long been used as a urinary antiseptic. It is used with great value in kidney and bladder complaints and overall urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, and pyelitis. One of the reasons it is so useful as a urinary antiseptic is due to the glucoside arbutin which, when excreted by the kidney, turns into hydroquinone -- a powerful urinary disinfectant. Apparently, this is more effective with alkaline urine, which can be achieved by following a vegetarian diet. Uva-ursi strengthens and tones the urinary passages and treats blood in the urine. These specific healing properties are due to the tannins found in the plant.

Native Americans gave uva-ursi to women after birthing to shrink the uterus and prevent infection. They drank and bathed in the tea. This same treatment was used in many European hospitals.