Bearberry aka Uva Ursi: A Natural Antibacterial To Support UTIs And More

Secure Ordering | Free Shipping | Best Quality | Best Prices

Along with providing information on whether Uva Ursi supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry, emerges as a promising ally in promoting wellness. Derived from the leaves of the bearberry plant, this herbal supplement has gained attention for its potential health benefits. From its traditional use in folk medicine to its contemporary applications, Uva Ursi offers a fascinating array of advantages for those seeking holistic approaches to support their health. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind Uva Ursi supplements and uncover the potential benefits they may offer to enhance overall health.

What Is Uva Ursi?

Uva Ursi, scientifically known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, aka bearberry, is a small evergreen shrub native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. Also referred to as bearberry, it is characterized by its bright red berries and small, leathery leaves. However, it is the leaves of the Uva Ursi plant that hold significant medicinal value.

For centuries, various cultures have utilized Uva Ursi in traditional medicine practices. Historically, Native American tribes and indigenous peoples of Europe have brewed teas and concoctions from the leaves of this plant to address a range of health concerns, including urinary tract issues and digestive discomfort.

Uva Ursi contains a compound called arbutin, which is believed to be responsible for many of its potential health benefits. Arbutin is a glycoside that converts to hydroquinone in the body, exhibiting antimicrobial properties that may help combat certain bacteria and promote urinary tract health.

Today, Uva Ursi supplements are gaining popularity as a natural alternative for supporting urinary tract function and overall health. While research on its effectiveness is ongoing, many people incorporate Uva Ursi into their wellness routines for its potential therapeutic effects. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the benefits and uses of Uva Ursi supplements based on current scientific understanding.

What Are the Benefits of Uva Ursi?

It’s important to note that while uva ursi may have some benefits, it is not recommended for long-term use, as it can be toxic in high doses or over extended periods. Also, it is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or persons with kidney or liver disease. Here are some key benefits:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Uva ursi leaves contain compounds like arbutin and hydroquinone, which have antimicrobial properties. It is often used in herbal remedies to help treat or prevent UTIs. When metabolized, these compounds can help to disinfect the urinary tract and may reduce inflammation. A study found that treating urinary tract infections in women with uva ursi instead of antibiotics like fosfomycin reduced antibiotic use but resulted in higher symptom burdens and more complications. [PMID: 34111592]
• Antibacterial and Antiseptic Effects: Beyond its use in urinary tract infections, the antibacterial properties of uva ursi may be beneficial against a variety of bacteria. Its antiseptic qualities can help in cleansing and protecting the skin when applied topically, although this is less common. [PMC8707569]
• Antioxidant Properties: Uva ursi contains compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help in combating oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to chronic diseases and aging. [PMC8707569]

Is Bearberry (Uva Ursi) Safe?

Uva Ursi is safe when used appropriately and for short-term treatment. Overuse or prolonged use can lead to possible side effects, such as liver damage or irritation of the urinary tract. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, and those with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions should avoid it. The correct dosage and duration of use are crucial; therefore, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting Uva Ursi. This ensures its use is tailored to individual health needs and conditions, maximizing benefits while minimizing risks.

Medication Interactions with Bearberry (Uva Ursi)

• Diuretics (Water Pills): Enhanced diuretic effect when used with Uva Ursi, possibly leading to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Increased risk of NSAID-induced kidney damage due to Uva Ursi’s effects on the urinary tract.
• Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin): Uva Ursi might increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications.
• Drugs Metabolized by the Liver (Cytochrome P450 Substrates): Potential interference with the liver’s ability to metabolize certain drugs, affecting their effectiveness and side effects.
• Acidifying Agents (e.g., Ammonium Chloride, Ascorbic Acid): May reduce the effectiveness of Uva Ursi, which requires alkaline urine to be effective.
• Alkalinizing Agents (e.g., Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Citrate): Potential increase in the effectiveness and toxicity of Uva Ursi.
• Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections: Possible enhancement or interference with the effects of certain antibiotics, affecting treatment outcomes.
• Lithium: Uva Ursi’s diuretic properties might alter the way the body eliminates lithium, leading to possible serious side effects.

Supplement Interactions with Uva Ursi

• Other Diuretic Supplements (e.g., Dandelion, Horsetail, Green Tea): May enhance the diuretic effect of Uva Ursi, increasing the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Supplements with High Tannin Content (e.g., Green Tea, Black Tea): Tannins may interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of Uva Ursi.
• Herbs and Supplements with Antiplatelet/Anticoagulant Properties (e.g., Ginkgo, Garlic, Ginger): May increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Uva Ursi, which can have mild blood-thinning effects.
• Supplements that Affect Urine pH (e.g., Cranberry for Acidifying, Sodium Bicarbonate for Alkalinizing): Acidifying agents may decrease Uva Ursi’s effectiveness; alkalinizing agents may increase its effectiveness and potential toxicity.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) and other Acidifying Agents: High doses of Vitamin C may decrease the effectiveness of Uva Ursi.
• Supplements Metabolized by the Liver (e.g., Milk Thistle, Turmeric): Could alter the metabolism and effectiveness of Uva Ursi or the supplements themselves, due to liver enzyme interactions.
• Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., supplements containing Potassium): May increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) when used with Uva Ursi, which has diuretic properties.

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Order Uva Ursi Online

Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

Your health is on the line. Health professionals know that many other online and retail options set a very low bar for quality–sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:

• Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to continuously monitor the quality of each item on the platform. Other retailers operate with profit as their highest or only motive when choosing brands. Fullscript cares only about quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores, large online marketplaces, and other retailers you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable locations or companies.
• Free shipping over $50 and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
• Freshness. Fullscript prioritizes freshness over bulk buying even if it means an increased risk of briefly being out of stock.
• Top quality phone and online support. When you call, knowledgeable humans at Fullscript answer your questions.
• How It Works:
  • Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click the “View Product” button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
  • Wide variety of supplement options: Once you sign in to your account, you are not limited to the products listed below. You will see similar items listed at the bottom of each product page on Fullscript.
  • Search For What You Want: Once inside Fullscript, you can search for the exact brands and products you want from their wide selection of quality brands.

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

What To Eat

To Sum It Up

Uva Ursi supplements offer a range of health benefits, particularly for those seeking natural support for urinary tract health. They are known for their antiseptic properties, which can be helpful in managing urinary tract infections. Additionally, Uva Ursi acts as a natural diuretic, aiding in the reduction of fluid retention and bloating. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to overall health, while its astringent qualities benefit the urinary system. Understanding these benefits allows for a better appreciation of Uva Ursi’s role in herbal wellness. As with any supplement, it’s important to consider personal health needs and supplement interactions when incorporating Uva Ursi into a wellness routine.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.