Uva Ursi / Bearberry Leaf Powder (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Ground dried leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Uva Ursi (Latin for "Bear's Grape") or Bearberry, the small evergreen ground cover native to arctic and alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The plant has long traditional use in European, Native American, and other Northern Hemisphere herbal traditions, primarily for urinary tract support.

Important Safety Information

Uva Ursi is for short-term use only (typically 5-7 days, no more than 2-3 weeks). The plant contains arbutin (which is metabolized to hydroquinone in the body) and tannins; prolonged use is not recommended due to potential liver and kidney effects with extended high-dose exposure. Most effective in slightly alkaline urine; some traditional protocols recommend taking with bicarbonate. Not recommended for kidney disorders, during pregnancy, with children, or while breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Family

Ericaceae (heath family)

Common names

Uva Ursi, Bearberry, Kinnikinnick (Algonquian)

Native region

Arctic and alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Active compounds

Arbutin (becomes hydroquinone in the body), tannins, flavonoids

Use category

Short-term only (typically 5-7 days; no more than 2-3 weeks)

What is Uva Ursi?

Uva Ursi is a small evergreen ground cover with small leathery leaves and red berries (which bears do eat, giving the plant its Latin name "Uva Ursi" - bear's grape). The plant grows in arctic and alpine regions across the Northern Hemisphere; multiple Indigenous peoples - including the Algonquian (who called it Kinnikinnick), the Sami, and various other circumpolar peoples - have traditional medicinal and ceremonial uses for the plant. Modern Western herbal use focuses on the traditional urinary tract support reputation.

How to Use Uva Ursi

Capsules: fill size 00 capsules; typical use is 1-2 capsules 3 times daily for 5-7 days. Tea: simmer 1 teaspoon in 8 oz water for 10-15 minutes; strain. The flavor is astringent. Tincture: alcohol extracts the active compounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Uva Ursi used for?
Most traditionally for urinary tract support; short-term use only.

Why "short-term only"?
The arbutin is metabolized to hydroquinone; prolonged use is not recommended due to potential liver and kidney effects with extended high-dose exposure.

Why "Bearberry"?
Bears do eat the small red berries; "Uva Ursi" is Latin for "Bear's Grape."

What's "Kinnikinnick"?
An Algonquian name for the plant; the name has come to mean traditional smoking herbs broadly in some North American traditions.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
No; not recommended during pregnancy.

Does it work better in alkaline urine?
Yes; the active compounds are most effective in slightly alkaline urine. Some traditional protocols include bicarbonate.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.