Uva Ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Ericaceae
Circumpolar regions of Europe, Asia, and North America
Evergreen trailing shrub
Its name means “bear’s grape” in Latin, so called because bears were often seen foraging on its berries; Native American tribes also dried and blended its leaves into kinnikinnick, a traditional ceremonial smoking mixture.
- Leaves brewed as tea, traditionally used to support urinary tract health – historical record, not a clinical claim.
- Used by Native American tribes as part of ceremonial and medicinal smoking blends (kinnikinnick).
- Applied in folk medicine as an astringent wash for minor skin irritations.
- Taken traditionally as a diuretic tonic in European herbal medicine.
- Leathery, evergreen leaves with a bitter, astringent taste.
- Contains arbutin, a compound long associated with urinary tract folklore.
- Low, trailing groundcover habit suited to cold, sandy soils.
- Small pink or white bell-shaped flowers followed by red berries.
- Common name “bearberry” reflects its appeal to foraging wildlife.
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
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