Uva Ursi

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Arbutus uva-ursi, bear's grape, bearberry, beargrape, bearsgrape, common bearberry, hogberry, kinnikinnik, manzanita, mountain box, mountain cranberry, ptarmigan berry, red bearberry, bedberry, rockberry, sagackhomi, sandberry, upland cranberry, uva-ursi

What is uva ursi ?

Uva ursi is an evergreen shrub. It produces red berries. The leaves are used medicinally.

What is it used for?

Uva ursi has been used to treat:

• bedwetting
• bronchitis
• constipation
• fluid retention
• painful urination
• urinary tract infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Uva ursi is available as capsules, tablets, tea, and liquid extract.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this remedy if you have:

• Crohn's disease
• digestive problems such as gas, diarrhea, or cramping
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• ulcers.

This remedy should not be given to children.

Do not use this remedy for more than 1 week without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. This remedy can cause liver or kidney damage if it is used for a long time.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take this remedy.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or considering. If your provider does not give you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Ringing in the ears, seizures, shortness of breath, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine, severe back pain, high fever.

Other: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, green-colored urine, stomach cramps.

What products might interact with this remedy?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.