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(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
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Other Names
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Arberry, Bear’s Grape, Kinni Kinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Box, Mountain
Cranberry, Red Bearberry, Sagackhomi, Sandberry, Upland Cranberry, Uva Ursi,
Whortlebery.
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Description
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Bearberry is a small evergreen shrub native to the northern United States, and
Europe. The
dark rusty-brown bark is covered with oval, leathery leaves. The hanging clusters of white
or pink flowers produce a bright, small, red berry.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cooling
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Humor
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Fire
é
Water
ê
Air
é
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Uses/Applications
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Bearberry’s antiseptic and astringent qualities are helpful with the urinary
system. Use
for kidney stones, water retention, sciatica, chronic cystitis, and
bronchitis. A douche is helpful in vaginal ulceration’s and
infections.
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Combinations
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For urinary infections combine with Yarrow.
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Constituents
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Glycosides, 6% Tannins, Flavonoids, Resin.
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Action
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Diuretic, Astringent, Demulcent, Tonic, Anti-Microbial,
Astringent.
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Food Values
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None
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Part Used
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Leaves.
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Collection
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The fall is the best time to collect the leaves, however you can also collect
them during the spring and early summer.
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Preparation
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Cold Infusion
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Soak leaves in alcohol for up to 1 week. Add 1 Tsp. leaves to 1 cup
boiling water, then cool. Take three times per day.
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Infusion
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Pour 1 cup boiling water onto 2 Tsp. dried leaves. Infuse 15
minutes. Take
two times per day.
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Tincture
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2
- 4 ml three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Bearberry requires acidic soirl and sun, although it will tolerate partial
shade. Propagate from wood cuttings.
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History
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For centuries the leaves have been used in herbal medicine as a mild diuretic and
astringent.
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Additional Information
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1. Bearberry requires alkaline urine to work (pH of
8). To
make urine alkaline take a heaping teaspoon of bicarbonate soda.
2. The tannin content in Bearberry can be minimized by soaking the leaves in
cold water rather than brewing them in hot water.
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Cautions
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1. High doses may cause nausea.
2. Large doses or prolonged use can have toxic effect including ringing in the
ears, nausea, vomiting, and delirium.
3. Do not use if you are pregnant.
4. Do not give to children.
5. Do not take with drugs that lead to formation of acidic
urine.
6. Bearberry may turn urine green. This is
harmless.
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Magick Information
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Powers:
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Psychic Powers
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Magickal Uses:
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Add to incense to increase your psychic powers.
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