Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a low-lying shrub that grows predominantly in soils composed of sand, gravel, or dunes in boreal forests. When smoked in a pipe, or when steeped as tea, bearberry leaves have a calming effect on the nervous system and are used to cure anxiety, migraine headaches, and general pain. Smoking is the fastest way to get relief from symptoms. Simply crush up dried leaves to fill your pipe bowl and smoke at your leisure. To make tea, which is just as effective but takes longer to activate than smoking, place crushed fresh or dried leaves into a tea ball and steep for ten minutes. Drink warm. Bearberry is generally safe to use as an herbal remedy, however, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Bearberry due to its potential effects on the uterus and developing fetus.
Another traditional use of Bearberry lies in its ability to support urinary tract health. The leaves of Bearberry contain a compound called arbutin, which exhibits potent antimicrobial properties. Arbutin is converted in the body to hydroquinone, known for its ability to combat urinary tract infections (UTIs). By inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) commonly responsible for UTIs, Bearberry can help alleviate symptoms and promote urinary tract wellness. Additionally, Bearberry is recognized for its diuretic properties, encouraging increased urine production. This diuretic effect can be beneficial for individuals suffering from mild fluid retention or edema, helping to reduce excess fluid buildup in the body and support kidney function.
To share an amusing anecdote about Bearberry, it is so named because bears eat the fermenting berries in the hot, late-summer, months and become intoxicated. The bears stumble around and fall over drunk. We used to drink beer while watching the bears get drunk at the Pine Barrens. Good times!
Spirit of the Alleghenies 