Do You Know Uva Ursi Extract

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Uva ursi extract is made from the leaves of uva ursi plant. It is also referred to as bearberry extract. It may be used as a natural remedy for a variety of complaints, including urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis, kidney stones and skin discoloration.

In general, uva ursi plants grow in cooler climates, such as northern Europe, North America and Asia. It is an evergreen plant, with light colored flowers that usually bloom in the summer months. After blooming, the seeds turn into bunches of bright red and pink berries. Bears have been known to eat these sour berries, which is where the common name of bearberry comes from.

The extract of uva ursi leaves has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, dating back to the Native Americans. Native Americans are said to have used the extract to help treat urinary tract infection. This use became part of traditional Western medicine for many years, though it has now fallen out of favor due to the development of less toxic preparations. It may still be used as a conventional treatment in certain European countries, however, to help treat cystitis, an inflammation ...
... of the bladder.

The antiseptic compound in uva ursi is arbutin, which the body converts into a substance with proven astringent and bacteria-killing powers called hydroquinone. Interestingly, arbutin taken alone is not as effective as the whole uva ursi plant in controlling urinary tract infections. That's because intestinal bacteria can break down arbutin, but they are less likely to do so in the presence of other uva ursi compounds.

To effectively fight a urinary tract infection with uva ursi, your urine must be alkaline. You may be able to help maintain an alkaline pH by consuming plenty of dairy products and non-citrus fruits. By the same token, avoid taking uva ursi with substances that have the reverse effect--acidifying the urine--such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vitamin C supplements.

In addition to its antiseptic and astringent actions, uva ursi may help to flush out bacteria by promoting urination.

Due to the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of arbutin, uva ursi extract may also be used as a natural remedy to help relieve pain associated with kidney stones. For this use, as well as for treating UTI, the extract is usually consumed orally. Applied topically, however, it may also be used to help treat rashes, canker sores and arthritis pain.

Another way uva ursi extract is sometimes used topically is to reduce skin discoloration. The hydroquinone in this extract has long been known to help lighten skin pigmentation. It is often included as an active ingredient in over-the-counter skin brightening cosmetic preparations. Uva ursi also has other properties that may help reduce the appearance of discoloration and scars.

Although uva ursi extract has so many health benefits, talk to a health-care provider before using it.

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