A Bear's Strength
This small shrub with bright red berries, similar to lingonberries, can often be found in coniferous and mixed forests of Northern Europe, Siberia and North America.
Its fruits are very much loved by the biggest inhabitants of the forest, for whom the plant received one of its names. In ancient times, humans discovered that the healing power of this plant was concentrated not in the berries but in the leaves, and they actively used their unique abilities to improve the health of the genitourinary system.
Origin and Name
Bearberry belongs to the heather family. It grows at high altitudes in the northern hemisphere. It is widely distributed in Europe from south to north, from the Iberian Peninsula to Scandinavia. In the east, bearberry can be found all the way to Siberia. In the south, it is found mainly in mountainous areas above the tree line; further north, you’ll find it deeper in the valleys.
The evergreen dwarf shrub grows to a maximum of 1.5 m in height and often forms dense mats of small, leathery, shiny leaves only 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The white to reddish bell-shaped flowers grow in terminal, pendulous inflorescences. They produce bright red, berry-like fruits in late summer with hard seeds.
By the way, you can find other names for the plant. The most interesting ones include Uva-ursi and, of course, Russian folk names such as bear's ear or bearberry, like its English name. The last option has a straightforward explanation. Translated from Latin, uva means grapes, and ursus means bear. It is unsurprising because many forest inhabitants, especially bears, love these bright fruits!
The use of bearberry in medicine dates back to at least the 2nd century: since those ancient times, this plant has been widely used as a diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic. Native Americans also used it for headaches, to treat cystitis, and as a tonic to improve kidney function.
Properties and Uses
Bearberry helps not only with cystitis but also acute and chronic urinary tract infections. This plant is supported by hydroquinone glycosides - molecules broken down at the intestinal level into glucose and hydroquinone. The kidneys excrete the latter, and the hydroquinone enters the urinary tract, where it acts with an antibacterial and antiseptic effect, preventing the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, and other bacteria that cause infections. The plant is also effective as a diuretic.
In addition, bearberry contains tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes. Tannins are also believed to have antimicrobial and astringent effects.
According to a study conducted on 57 women, those who took bearberry extract for a month experienced fewer urinary tract infections. During the 12 months after treatment, the women did not have a single episode of cystitis. This suggests that bearberry may be particularly effective if taken at the first sign of infection.
Other Benefits
Strengthening of the immune system.
The hydroquinone contained in bearberry is a powerful antibacterial agent. It eliminates harmful substances from the body, strengthens the immune system, and protects it from any external health threats.
The hydroquinone contained in bearberry is a powerful antibacterial agent. It eliminates harmful substances from the body, strengthens the immune system, and protects it from any external health threats.
Detox. Since bearberry has a natural diuretic effect, it helps cleanse the body by quickly removing toxins from the kidneys and bladder. Thus, our body continues to function optimally while eliminating toxins, excess fat, salt, and water.
Natural cosmetic product.
Bearberry extract is also used in cosmetology. The berries of the plant have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bearberry also contains arbutin, a natural substance that naturally brightens the skin. It gives the skin a radiant smoothness, eliminating freckles, scars, pimples, and age spots.
Bearberry extract is also used in cosmetology. The berries of the plant have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Bearberry also contains arbutin, a natural substance that naturally brightens the skin. It gives the skin a radiant smoothness, eliminating freckles, scars, pimples, and age spots.
Where is it contained?
