(Arctostaphylos uva ursi) Part used: Leaves. Properties: Astringent, diuretic, alternative, tonic. What it affects: Kidneys and urinary tract.
Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 3 oz. as needed, up to 3 cups a day. Tincture: Take 10-20 drops 3 or more
times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2
- 1 tsp. 3 times daily.
Purposes: Internally, uva ursi is a specific for kidney and bladder
infection. When combined with marshmallow root, it will eliminate stones from
those organs. It is useful as a postoperative medicine, to reduce hemorrhaging.
Put a cup of leaves in a stocking and add to a hot tub of water as a good bath
for just after childbirth. Also use this bath after inflammations, hemorrhoids,
and skin infections. It is used as a douche for vaginal infections and other
pelvic problems.
- It also helps restore the womb to normal size. Because of its astringent qualities, uva ursi leave are good as a tonic for chronic diarrhea, piles, and diabetes, dysentery, and profuse menstruation. Use it for gonorrhea.
Note: Uva ursi is often used with buchu leaves; but
do not boil buchu leaves or uva ursi, because their active principles are in
their volatile oils.