Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Family: Ericaceae Evidence: C capsuleteatincture

A traditional urinary tract herb containing arbutin, used for short-term bladder and urinary support.

Safety Profile

PregnancyUnsafe
BreastfeedingUnsafe
PediatricNot Recommended

Contraindications

Kidney disease. Liver disease. Not for long-term use (max 1-2 weeks). Contains hydroquinone which is toxic in large amounts.

Interactions

May interact with diuretics, lithium, and NSAIDs. Effectiveness depends on alkaline urine pH.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, GI upset. Green-brown urine discoloration (normal). Long-term: liver damage, retinal damage.

Liver: Contains hydroquinone — potential hepatotoxicity with long-term use. Limit to 1-2 week courses.
Kidney: May irritate kidneys. Do not use with kidney disease.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal product.