2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The bear grapes / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Asteraceae / is a small thorny shrub that grows in the high parts of Europe. The shrub has cute little red fruits that look like grapes. Reaches a height of 20 cm, blooms in August-September.
It is characterized by a reddish-brown bark on the stems, small but well-shaped leaves, between which small fruits creep. The name of the herb comes from the belief that the fruits, which are actually neither very tasty nor juicy, are the favorite fruit of bears.
During flowering, bearberry forms groups of small, pink or white flowers that resemble the shape of a bell. It is they who become the fruits of the bearberry. For centuries, bearberry has been used to treat kidney stones, genital infections and a number of other ailments in this area. To this day, it is one of the most commonly used herbs.
Composition of bearberry
The leaves of the herb contain about 10% of the phenolic glycosides methylarbutin and arbutin. Arbutin is the most important ingredient in bearberry. Other substances found in the leaves are a wide group of tannins, tripteric, some 14-phenolic acids.
Another important component of bearberry is hydroquinone. The herb also contains small amounts of hydroquinone, methylhydroquinone, about 20% halothanins / tannins /, essential oil uvaol, quinone and formic acids, a number of flavonoid substances - quercitrin, myricitrin, hyperoside, gallic and ellagic acid.
An interesting ingredient in bearberry is ursolic acid, which is essentially a triterpene saponin. Depending on where the bearberry comes from, the ratio between arbutin and methylarbutin varies.
Collect bearberry
The usable part of the herb are the leaves. They are collected during the flowering period, and picking should take place on a dry and sunny day. The top twigs are cut off and even then they are cleaned of dark leaves or other unnecessary grasses. The twigs are cut with a sharp knife and dried in a ventilated and dry place. Keep in mind that plants are not allowed to be uprooted.
After drying, the leaves of the herb are separated, cleaned of twigs and dried in the shade. Properly dried leaves should have a dark green color and gloss on the upper side, and on the lower - gray-green color. Store in a ventilated, shady place.
The bear grapes It can be found in almost any drugstore, so don't worry if you can't dial it yourself. The extract of bearberry abroad known as Uva Ursi extract.
Benefits of bearberry
The bear grapes has a calming effect and helps to remove sand from the urinary tract. Its use is extremely useful for disinfection of the urinary tract in chronic cystitis. The herb is used for inflammation of the kidneys / pyelitis /, kidney stones and gallstones.
According to a number of doctors, bearberry is the strongest anti-inflammatory herb that can help with chronic cystitis and pyelonephritis. The herb is used as a main ingredient in diuretic teas. Bearberry effectively reduces the accumulated levels of uric acid in the body. Folk medicine recommends the use of bearberry leaves in the presence of blood in the urine, white flow, diabetes, tuberculosis of the kidneys. It is also useful for prostate problems.
You can use bearberry in the form of a decoction of pre-cut and crushed leaves or as a cold extract. Prepare the decoction by adding 1 tbsp. spoon of the herb in 700 ml of boiling water. Boil the decoction for half an hour on low heat. Strain it and take 100 ml every day.
If you want to prepare a cold extract, mix 1 tbsp.bearberry with 200 ml of cold water. Leave to stand for 8 hours, then strain the extract and take 2 tbsp. about 4-5 times a day.
Harm from bearberry
Bearberry extract is safe, but if taken in the mentioned doses and for the shortest possible period of time - usually one week. People suffering from liver problems, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of bearberry. There are isolated cases in which bearberry can cause allergies.
It is possible that taking the herb may cause some side effects - in small doses, bearberry can discolor urine or saturate it with greenish pigments. Cases of nausea and tinnitus have been reported. It is believed that too long intake of bearberry can damage visual pigments and even lead to blindness.
All foods, medicines and supplements that contain acids eliminated in the urine reduce the effect of bearberry extract. This group otherwise includes many useful substances, such as vitamin C. On the other hand, it is believed that the intake of basic substances and alkalizing foods will enhance the action of bearberry.
