UVA URSI (Bearberry) Extract

Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Extract (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), commonly known as Bearberry, is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the circumpolar regions of the Northern Hemisphere — found across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. Its name derives from the Latin uva ursi meaning "bear's grape", reflecting the fondness of bears for its bright red berries. It has a long history of traditional use by Native American peoples and in European herbal medicine, and has been included in the pharmacopoeias of numerous countries including the British Pharmacopoeia and the European Pharmacopoeia.

Uva Ursi leaf is classified as a urinary antiseptic, astringent, and diuretic herb in Western herbal medicine. It is one of the most important and widely used urinary herbs in the Western herbal tradition, with a particularly well-established traditional history of use for urinary and kidney wellness. This extract is wild-harvested and prepared in 60% alcohol from Uva Ursi leaf.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Arbutin — the primary bioactive compound in Uva Ursi leaf; a naturally occurring hydroquinone glycoside; the key marker of Uva Ursi quality and potency; one of the most extensively researched naturally occurring compounds in the context of urinary wellness
• Methylarbutin — a naturally occurring glycoside closely related to arbutin; present alongside arbutin in Uva Ursi leaf
• Tannins — including gallotannins and ellagitannins; naturally occurring astringent compounds contributing to Uva Ursi's traditional urinary and tissue-toning properties
• Flavonoids — including quercetin, isoquercitrin, and myricetin
• Phenolic acids — including gallic acid and ellagic acid
• Iridoids — naturally occurring compounds present in the leaf
• Ursolic acid — a naturally occurring triterpenoid present in the leaf

Traditional Herbal Use

Urinary & Bladder Wellness

Uva Ursi is one of the most important urinary herbs in Western herbal medicine, with a long traditional history of use for urinary and bladder wellness. It is classified as a urinary antiseptic and astringent herb in traditional herbal practice and is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional herbal formulas for urinary wellness. It has been included in the pharmacopoeias of numerous countries for its traditional urinary wellness applications and remains a staple of contemporary Western herbal practice for this purpose.

Kidney Wellness

Uva Ursi has a long traditional history of use in Western herbal medicine for kidney wellness. Its diuretic and astringent properties have made it a classic inclusion in traditional herbal formulas for kidney support.

Inflammatory Wellness

Uva Ursi has a traditional history of use in Western herbal medicine for inflammatory wellness, particularly in the context of urinary and musculoskeletal inflammatory wellness. Its naturally occurring arbutin, tannin, and flavonoid content have generated research interest in the context of inflammatory wellness.

Skin Wellness

Uva Ursi's naturally occurring arbutin content has generated significant research interest in the context of skin wellness. Arbutin is one of the most extensively researched naturally occurring compounds in contemporary cosmetic and botanical science in the context of skin tone and complexion wellness.

How to Use

Take 20–30 drops under the tongue or in a little juice or water, up to 2–3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Drink plenty of water when using urinary herbs. Best taken in an alkaline environment — avoid taking with acidic foods or drinks such as citrus juice.

Precautions

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — Uva Ursi is contraindicated in pregnancy. Not recommended for children under 12 without practitioner guidance. Not recommended for long-term continuous use — traditionally used in short courses of up to 1–2 weeks; consult your healthcare practitioner for extended use. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if you have a kidney condition or are taking diuretic medications. High doses may cause nausea or gastric irritation — use at recommended doses only.

Ingredients

Wild-harvested Uva Ursi / Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf, 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Hydrangea Root Extract — complementary urinary and kidney wellness herb
• Corn Silk Extract — complementary soothing urinary herb
• Goldenrod Extract — complementary diuretic and urinary wellness herb
• Echinacea Purpurea Extract — complementary immune and urinary wellness herb
• Gumpii Extract — foundational botanical base

Related Wellness Guides

• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.