Uva ursi also has mild diuretic activity. It is also used to treat induced contact dermatitis, allergic reaction-type hypersensitivity, and arthritis in conjunction with prednisolone and dexamethasone.

“Uva ursi” means “bear's grape” in Latin, probably because bears are fond of the fruit. Uva ursi was first documented in a 13th century Welsh herbal. Teas and extracts of the leaves have been used as urinary tract antiseptics and diuretics for centuries. The plant has been used as a laxative, and the leaves have been smoked. Bearberry teas and extracts have been used as vehicles for pharmaceutical preparations. In homeopathy, a tincture of the leaves is believed to be effective in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, and urinary tract inflammations. The berries are not used medicinally, they are juicy but have an insipid flavor that improves upon cooking.

Warnings - Dosage

Hydroquinone, a component of uva ursi leaves, is toxic in large doses and can cause serious liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because of this, uva ursi should be taken only for short periods of time not exceeding five days a week for 3 weeks tops, and on no more than five separate occasions over the course of a year. The recommended adult dosage is between two and five milligrams of the dried herb daily for up to five days. Children should not be given uva ursi under any circumstances. Others who should not take uva ursi include women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with hypertension, Crohn's disease, stomach ulcers, digestive problems, kidney problems or liver disease.