Bearberry leaf information
                                Bearberry leaf is used by herbal
practitioners as a urinary antiseptic and diuretic
                                Bearberry can be used for:
                                Lower urinary tract
infections, esp. cystitis
                                Urinary stones or gravel
                                Bladder and kidney
infections
                                Blood in the urine
                                Contraindications & interactions
                                Avoid in pregnancy and
lactation as excessive use may cause nausea, vomiting and tinnitus due to the
high levels of tannins
                                Bearberry works best 
when your urine is alkaline therefore it is best not to use alongside  treatments or diets (such as the high meat content diets) which make 
urine acidic
                                The high tannin levels may
interfere with the absorption of various nutrients
                                Active compounds
                                Bearberry contains arbutin,
which is a phenolic glycoside compound that is converted to hydroquinone in
alkaline urine and is responsible for the antiseptic properties.  It has been shown to be effective against E.
coli a common cause of UTI’s; tannins, which give Bearberry its astringent
properties; flavonoids and resin
                                What herbal practitioners say about Bearberry
                                Bearberry is a cooling,
bitter, astringent diuretic and urinary antiseptic, useful in the treatment of
bladder and kidney infections.  When
combined with Marshmallow root it can be used to dissolve urinary stones.  It gently soothes, tones and strengthens the
urinary tract membranes, clears blood from the urine and increases circulation
in the kidneys.  It can be used in the
treatment of some forms of bedwetting due to its astringency.  
                                Tincture dose
                                Adult dose 1.5 – 3mls three
times a day of a 1:3 tincture.
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