Uva ursi, pronounced yuva ursee, is traditionally prescribed for kidney and bladder infections, especially when water retention is a problem. This bitter herb has long been used successfully in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, including urethritis and cystitis, and is said to help dissolve kidney stones. It is considered valuable against disorders of the spleen, liver, pancreas, and small intestines.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

A small evergreen shrub, uva ursi is found throughout Europe and in the northern United States. This shrub grows sideways and can eventually spread into a low-growing bushy clump that covers an area up to fifteen feet. It makes quite a nice ground cover. Uva ursi has a long, tough root that sends out burrowing stems which turn upward and attain a height of from four to six inches. Its flowers can be pink or white; the fruit can be bright red or pink. The leaves, which contain this herb’s medicinal properties, are only 1/2 to 1 inch long. (more…)