Bearberry (Uva Ursi)

What is it?

Bearberry, also known as Uva Ursi, is a small, evergreen shrub that produces red berries. The leaves of the bearberry plant have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary conditions. The plant is native to the northern hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Bearberry works primarily through its active compound, arbutin, which is converted into hydroquinone in the body. Hydroquinone has antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria in the urinary tract. Additionally, Uva Ursi has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and reduce inflammation in the urinary tract lining.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredients in Bearberry include:

• Arbutin: An antimicrobial compound that converts to hydroquinone in the body, helping to kill bacteria.
• Tannins: Provide astringent properties that reduce inflammation and soothe the urinary tract.
• Flavonoids: Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Allantoin: Promotes wound healing and soothes irritated tissues.

What forms does it come in?

• Dried leaves (for making tea)
• Capsules or tablets
• Liquid extracts or tinctures
• Powder

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

Bearberry is not typically used to address specific nutrient deficiencies but rather to support urinary tract health. Including Bearberry in your regimen can help prevent and manage UTIs, particularly for individuals prone to recurrent infections.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Bearberry has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries by Native American tribes and in traditional European herbal medicine. It has been employed to treat urinary tract infections, bladder issues, and kidney problems

What does Bearberry (Uva Ursi) help with?

Bearberry, also called uva ursi, is a low ground shrub. Its dried leaves are made into teas, capsules and extracts. Healers in Indigenous America, Europe and China have used the leaf for bladder trouble for centuries.

• Mild bladder infections (UTIs)
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab chemistry plus long traditional use; no human trial on file. This is the best known folk use of bearberry leaf, for mild to moderate infections. Lab chemistry shows its main compound, arbutin, turns into hydroquinone in urine, and hydroquinone kills germs in the lab. Tradition holds that it works best when urine is less acidic, so some people pair it with fruit and vegetables, or a small pinch of baking soda.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Mild cystitis (a sore, swollen bladder)
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — traditional use and lab work only; no human trial on file. Cystitis means a swollen bladder lining, often set off by germs. This is the classic use case named in our records for uva ursi. The file holds lab work on its germ-killing and calming compounds, but no human trial.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Bladder irritation, urgency and burning during an infection
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab work on tannins; user reports only, no human trial on file. Bearberry leaf is rich in tannins, which are drying, astringent plant compounds. In lab studies, tannins and other compounds in the leaf calmed irritated tissue. Many users say discomfort eases within a day or two, but no trial on file has measured that.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Burning or discomfort when germs are not the cause
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — reasoning from lab studies of tannins; no human trial on file. Some people use the leaf for an irritated urinary tract with no infection. The idea rests on the soothing tannins seen in lab work. No human study on file has tested this use.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Cutting down how often UTIs come back
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — traditional use only; our records state the evidence is limited. Some women prone to frequent infections take the leaf in short cycles. Our records call the traditional use well established but the evidence limited. No human trial on file has counted whether infections return less often.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Mild swelling in the kidneys and urinary passages
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab studies of plant compounds; no human trial on file. The leaf holds ursolic acid and flavonoids. In lab studies, these compounds damped down swelling. Herbal systems used the leaf to support the kidneys during mild irritation, but the file holds no human trial.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• Fading dark spots on the skin (creams and lotions)
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — no human trial of the extract on file; hydroquinone itself is well known in skin care. Hydroquinone is a well known skin-lightening agent, and it is the same compound that arbutin releases. Makers add bearberry extract to creams as a plant source of it. Our file holds no human trial of the extract on dark spots.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3
• General antioxidant support
  Long traditional use · not yet tested in trials — lab tests on leaf compounds only. Bearberry leaves are rich in flavonoids and phenols. In lab tests, these compounds mopped up free radicals. No human study on file ties this to any health result, and our records do not treat it as a main use.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T3

What Bearberry (Uva Ursi) has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows that bearberry stops UTIs from coming back.
• It has not been shown to help with severe infections; the traditional use covers mild to moderate bladder trouble only.
• No study on file shows it can stand in for antibiotics.
• No human trial on file shows that bearberry extract fades dark spots on skin.
• No human trial on file supports taking it as a daily antioxidant supplement.
• It has not been shown to be useful for long stretches; traditional use is short cycles only.

How to read this:

Grades run from A down to insufficient. An A means several strong human trials agree. Insufficient means no human study is on file for that use, only lab work or long folk use. Every use on this page is graded insufficient, and that is the honest state of our records. This page sets out options and what studies found. It is not medical advice, and a bladder infection can move up to the kidneys, so speak to a clinician if you have fever or back pain.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent in men, women, or both?

Bearberry can help prevent:

1. Recurrent UTIs (Both): Regular use helps prevent recurrent urinary tract infections by maintaining urinary tract health.
2. Bladder Infections (Both): Maintains bladder health, preventing infections.
3. Kidney Infections (Both): Prevents bacteria from migrating to the kidneys, protecting against infections.
4. Urinary Tract Inflammation (Both): Reduces the risk of inflammation caused by bacterial infections.
5. Painful Urination (Both): Prevents infections that cause pain during urination.

Which foods are rich in it?

Bearberry itself is not found in foods and is primarily consumed as an herbal supplement. However, maintaining a diet rich in nutrients that support urinary tract health can complement the effects of Bearberry. Such foods include:

• Cranberries
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Garlic
• Green tea

What are possible side effects?

Bearberry is generally safe for most people when used appropriately, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%)
• Mild gastrointestinal issues (e.g., stomach upset, nausea)
• Less Common (1-10%)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Greenish urine (due to hydroquinone excretion)
• Rare (<1%)
• Liver damage (with excessive use)
• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)

Possible side effects for overdose: High doses of UVA ursi may cause collapse, convulsions, cyanosis, delirium, shortness of breath and tinnitus. Doses of 30 grams or more may be fatal.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Bearberry varies depending on the form and individual health needs, but common dosages are:

• Tea: 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of water, taken 2-3 times daily.
• Capsules or tablets: 500-1,000 mg of standardized extract per day.
• Tincture: Follow the dosage instructions on the product label, typically 1-2 ml taken 1-2 times daily.

Possible side effects for overdose: High doses of UVA ursi may cause collapse, convulsions, cyanosis, delirium, shortness of breath and tinnitus. Doses of 30 grams or more may be fatal.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits of Bearberry, such as relief from UTI symptoms, can be noticeable within a few days. For prevention, consistent use over several weeks may be necessary to see long-term benefits.

What time of day is best to take it?

Bearberry can be taken at any time of day. For UTI prevention, it is often recommended to take it with meals and plenty of water to help flush out the urinary tract.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Bearberry can be taken with or without food. Taking it with water is crucial to ensure it reaches the urinary tract effectively.