Uva Ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Tradition of Use: Western, Native American
Mechanism of Action
Arbutin converts to hydroquinone (urinary antiseptic), astringent, diuretic
Key Conditions & Uses
Preparation
Tea, tincture, capsule
Dosage
1.5-4g dried leaf or 2-4ml tincture up to 4x daily; alkalinize urine
Active Compounds
Arbutin, hydroquinone, tannins, allantoin
Interactions
May interact with NSAIDs, lithium
Contraindications
Pregnancy; kidney disease; liver disease; long-term use (>1 week)
Evidence Level & Clinical Notes
Evidence Level:
Moderate - effective urinary antiseptic
Clinical Notes:
Requires alkaline urine for effectiveness; short-term use only; high tannin content
Traditional Chinese Medicine Context
Natural antimicrobial for urinary tract infections
Conditions This Helps
Quick Overview
Key Points
This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol or supplement regimen.
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