Witnessed by: Western
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), of the Ericaceae family. Trailing evergreen mat with small leathery leaves and red berries; native range: heaths, moors and mountains across the cool northern hemisphere. Globally recognized as uva-ursi, kinnikinnick, mountain box, hog cranberry in English. The part used is leaf. Thick shiny dark-green leaf, strongly astringent and bitter with little scent.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
BEARBERRY
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- bearberry
- Scientific name
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
- Family
- Ericaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- astringent · bitter
Temperature
- Western
- cool
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- kidneys · bladder · mucous membranes
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- urinary antiseptic, astringent, diuretic
Cautions
Contraindications: pregnancy and breastfeeding; kidney disease; long or repeated courses
Toxicity: the hydroquinone freed from arbutin can irritate and, in large or prolonged doses, harm the liver; works best with alkaline urine
Interactions
- Western
- diuretics: additive diuretic action and fluid loss
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