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Bearberry, whose botanical name is Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is a small evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. It is a perennial plant that develops in dense creeping patches, sometimes forming characteristic natural "cushions," with a height ranging from 15 to 30 centimeters. The properties of bearberry have been known since the 16th century when the prestigious medical school of Montpellier praised its diuretic virtues and its ability to disinfect the urinary tract.
The plant features leathery, evergreen leaves with an obovate shape and entire margin, with a glossy upper surface and a rougher lower one. During flowering, which occurs between April and May, it produces delicate bell-shaped pink flowers, followed by characteristic globular red berries with a diameter of 4-6 millimeters. These fruits, with their acidic and mealy pulp, are particularly favored by bears, from which the plant's popular name derives.
Primarily found in the temperate regions of Northern Europe, Asia, and North America, bearberry also grows spontaneously in Italy, mainly in the Alps and the Apennines. It prefers rocky environments and sunny pastures, reaching altitudes of up to 2400 meters.
The drug, or the part used for therapeutic purposes, consists of the leaves collected before flowering, which are used both fresh and dried for the preparation of natural remedies.
Known in various countries by names such as Bearberry in English, Busserole in French, or Gayuba in Spanish, this medicinal plant boasts a long history of traditional use. Interestingly, it was originally imported from Asia under the name Fackashapuk, initially to be mixed with tobacco, before establishing itself as a valuable health ally in European herbal traditions.
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The active ingredients of bearberry are primarily concentrated in its leaves, which contain a significant percentage of phenolic glycosides, ranging from 5% to 15%. Among these, the most relevant components are arbutin and methyl arbutin, which account for 6% to 10% of the total. The aglycones, or the non-sugar parts of these glycosides, consist of hydroquinone and methylhydroquinone molecules, which give the plant its characteristic therapeutic properties.
This biochemical composition makes bearberry particularly effective in treating various conditions, especially those affecting the urinary system, as we will see in the following paragraphs dedicated to the properties and benefits of this valuable medicinal plant.
The properties of bearberry are closely linked to its particular biochemical composition and the way its active ingredients interact with the body. Let's look in detail at the main activities of this medicinal plant:
The benefits of bearberry are numerous and mainly manifest at the level of the urinary system, where this medicinal plant best expresses its therapeutic potential. Although some effects still require further scientific confirmation, traditional usage experience has highlighted several areas of application:
An interesting aspect of bearberry's activity is the greenish coloration that urine can take on during treatment, indicating that the active ingredients are indeed acting within the body.
Bearberry can be taken in various forms, each with specific characteristics and preparation methods. Let's look in detail at the main preparations and their correct use:
It is important to note that bearberry is often combined with other natural remedies such as cranberry, dandelion, couch grass, or chamomile, which enhance its beneficial action on the urinary tract.
Practical, concentrated, and easy to take: the bearberry mother tincture is your natural ally always at hand. Choose the quality of Terzaluna and order now on Terzaluna to get the best of nature with a simple gesture!
Despite its beneficial properties, bearberry has some important contraindications that are essential to know before use. The intake of this medicinal plant is generally well tolerated by adults in the short term, but should not exceed a consecutive month of treatment. Prolonged use is not recommended as it may lead to significant adverse effects.
The plant is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in children. Special attention should be paid by those taking lithium-based medications, as bearberry can interfere with these drugs due to its diuretic action.
It is important to highlight that taking high doses can cause serious problems to various body systems. Possible liver damage has been documented, due to specific substances in the plant that could impair liver function. The visual system can also be affected, with potential retinal alterations. In extreme cases, improper use could lead to respiratory disorders and, in particularly severe situations, even convulsive manifestations.
Among the most common effects, although generally mild, are gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset. A characteristic sign of intake, which should not cause concern, is the green-brown coloration of urine.
The side effects of bearberry are mainly related to the presence of tannins in the plant's leaves, which make up about 6-7% of its composition. These compounds, although present in lower concentrations than in other plants of the Ericaceae family, can be irritating to the gastric mucosa, causing disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. To mitigate these discomforts, a small amount of peppermint leaves can be added during the preparation of the infusion.
A characteristic, but completely harmless, side effect is the brown coloration of urine, which tends to darken further when exposed to air. This phenomenon is a normal consequence of the metabolism of the plant's active ingredients and should not cause concern.
It is important to emphasize that the intake of bearberry should not be extended beyond a week without consulting a doctor, nor should it be repeated more than five times a year. To ensure safe and effective use, it is crucial to strictly adhere to the doses recommended by the manufacturer and pay attention to the warnings on the label.
If you wish to benefit from the extraordinary properties of bearberry, at Terzaluna you can purchase the dried leaves of this valuable medicinal plant, carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and purity. The bearberry leaves available in our online shop come from certified organic farms and undergo rigorous quality checks to preserve all their beneficial properties intact.
Our selection allows you to easily prepare teas and infusions with beneficial properties for urinary tract health, following the preparation methods best suited to your needs. Choose the excellence of Terzaluna products to take care of your well-being naturally.
Transform every infusion into a moment of well-being with the bearberry leaves selected by Terzaluna. Purity and quality for an authentic-tasting herbal tea, delivered directly to your home. Buy them now on Terzaluna and discover the difference!
