Folklore/Common Names:Uva-Ursi, Bearberry, Bear's Grape, Beargrape, Hogberry, Rockberry, Mountain Cranberry, Arberry, Kinnickinick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Sandberry

Part Used: Leaves

Historical Reference:

While the Latin specific name of Uva Ursi is the one by which this name has re-introduced itself to the world of natural medicines, the generic name of Bearberry is derived from the Greek. Both mean the same, "the bear's grape". It is unknown whether the name was given due to the herb's popularity with bears or whether the unpleasant flavor of the fruit led to a description of being 'only fit for the bears' to eat.

Some sources place Bearberry plant itself originally in Spain, while others claim Marco Polo brought it from China to Europe. Regardless, Bearberry was recognized by herbalists by the 13th century, and was a medicinal staple since the Middle Ages. M. Grieve tells us of Bearberry's lengthy medicinal history in A Modern Herbal, saying that "Uva-Ursi has a place not only in all the old herbals, but also in the modern Pharmacopoeias. There are records that it was used in the thirteenth century by the Welsh 'Physicians of Myddfai.' It was described by Clusius in 1601, and recommended for medicinal use in 1763 by Gerhard of Berlin and others. It had a place in the London Pharmacopoeia for the first time in 1788, though was probably in use long before. It is official in nearly all Pharmacopoeias, some of which use the name Arbutus." Bearberry was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 through 1926.

In Sweden and Russian, the leaves have been used for tanning leather, due to the abundance of tannin they contain. In Scandinavian countries, the plant is used to produce an ash colored natural dye.

One singular species of Bearberry, the Black Bearberry, can be found primarily on the barren mountains in northern Scotland and not at all in England, is the badge of the clan of Ross.

Medicinal Use:

Caution: The amount of tannins in Bearberry can produce stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting in those with weak or sensitive stomachs. Bearberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women or those with kidney disease. Do not use Bearberry for more than a weak. If signs of pain or infection increase see your Doctor immediately. As with all herbs, Bearberry is best used under the guidance of a knowledgeable Herbalists and with the consent of your Doctor. Normal medicinal use of Bearberry, however, is considered safe.

Bearberry is highly astringent, making it excellent for use in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and urinary passages. Those individuals who have a more alkaline system, such as develops from a vegetarian diet or one rich in fruits and vegetables, will experience an improved benefit from Bearberry. Conversely, while taking Bearberry, avoid fruits which make the system acidic, such as citrus, cranberries or blueberries.

While it can be taken as a dried herb in capsule or tablet form, Bearberry is most commonly taken as an infusion (tea). It provides both a soothing and astringent effect for these areas, combined with a diuretic action that strengthens and tones the above, especially the urinary tract. This diuretic action is due to the presence of Arbutin and Methylarbutin, which - instead of promoting urination - are absorbed and then excreted by the kidneys. During excretion, the Arbutin and Methylarbutin have an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membranes, making Bearberry an excellent treatment for any inflammatory disease in this area: infection, inflammation, urethritis, cystisis, diarrhea, etc.

To make an infusion, 101 Medicinal Herbs: An Illustrated Guide by Steven Foster suggests: "Soak 1/3 ounce of the dried leaves in a quart of cold water for 24 hours. Remove the leaves and simmer the liquid down to ½ quart. Take 1-2 fluid ounces of this liquid 3 times a day." The antibacterial effect of each dose will last 3-4 hours.

M. Grieve also suggests "Besides the simple infusion (1 OZ. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water), the combination of 1/2 oz. each of Uva-Ursi, Poplar Bark and Marshmallow root, infused in 1 pint of water for 20 minutes is used with advantage."

Externally, Bearberry can also be used to ease sprains and swellings. American Indians used the wet leaves to rub on sore muscles, and at least one folklore remedy recommends using an infusion of Bearberry to relieve poison ivy rash.

Gardening with Bearberry:

Bearberry - like many herbs - is actually more of a small 1'-2' high shrub than what we think of as an herbal plant. It is an evergreen member of the heath family, commonly found throughout the North parts of America and Northern Europe, among foothills as well as barren fields. The multi-branched stems are short and woody, and covered with fine soft hairs. The flowers of Bearberry are small clusters of pretty but waxy looking blooms that appear April through June, before the leaves. The berry ripens in the Fall, resembling a small bright red currant.

If you're considering Bearberry for medicinal use, the timing of the harvest of Bearberry leaves is crucial to its effectiveness. The leaves should be gathered in September and October (Fall) and only during fine weather - as with most herbs, in the morning just after the dew has fully dried. Any imperfect, stained or eaten leaves should be rejected, and only the green leaves chosen for processing. Dry the leaves by exposure to gentle heat, they would not respond well to harsher drying methods. This can be done on elevated screens in sunny weather, leaving the screens in part sun/part shade so as not to dry to rapidly and making sure they are elevated enough to provide for good air circulation. If sunny days are not an option for you by September, you could dry Bearberry on well ventilated screens over a warm air current, or in a sunny window. Once the leaves are dry, they should be immediately stored in wooden or tin boxes that are tightly sealed, otherwise they will absorb moisture from the air and begin to mildew. You'll note that the leaves, once dried, are smooth, compared to the fine hairs that exist on the plant while growing.

Magical Use:

Bearberry has a reputation of enhancing the intuitive and psychic skills. Makes a good addition to magical sachets.