BEARBERRY (Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi L Spreng)

Description

Small perennial bush 1.5 m high. It has elastic, reddish branches with opposite, coriaceous, oval-shaped, spatulate leaves with an entire margin, hairless, short pedicel of dark green color. It has pinkish-white flowers rattle-shaped and sheathed fruits. Leaves are bitter and astringent.

Habitat: Thickets, woods of cold and continental zones of Northern hemisphere.

Part used
Leaves.

Indications
> Urinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, colibacillosis.
> Oliguria, urine retention, edemas.
> Kidney stones.
> Diarrheas.
> It is also used as emmenagogue and uterotonic to help in the expulsion at child delivery or as abortive.
> Vaginitis, especially by trichomonas.
> To disinfect and to heal wounds.