Bearberry – Bearish ear – Arctostaphylos uvaurs L.

Creeping evergreen shrub with branches up to 100-120 cm, families vereskovыh (Ericaceae). It grows in central and northern strip of almost the entire territory of Russia. For medical purposes, harvest leaves of plants.

The chemical composition of bearberry

The bearberry leaves contain flavonoids (Quercetin, izokvertsitrin, miricitrin, giperozid, myricetin), organic acid (apple, protocatechuic and formic), tannins pirogallovoy group glycosides arbutin and metilarbutin.

The pharmacological properties of bearberry

Herbal medicines have anti-bear ears, antimicrobial and diuretic properties. The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug due to the content in the plant a large amount of tannins. The antimicrobial properties of plants associated with the glycoside arbutin, which is under the influence of the enzyme contained in the leaves arbutazy split into a free hydroquinone and glucose. Second glycoside - metilarbutin - by hydrolysis to cleave the methyl ether as ; frees hydroquinone. The antiseptic properties of bearberry leaves due to antimicrobial and local irritating action of hydroquinone, which, Besides, excreted in the urine by the kidneys, annoying kidney tissue and increases the excretion of urine.

Use of bearberry in medicine

Infusions and decoctions of bearberry used in diseases of the urinary bladder, urinary tract, urethral and kidney stones. Preparations plants have disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect, resulting in the urinary tract during therapy cleared of bacterial flora and products of inflammation.

When large doses of drugs bearberry can be observed exacerbation of inflammation in the urinary system and the development of renal symptoms as a result of prolonged irritation of the renal tubules. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. To avoid side effects of chronic administration of bearberry, it is usually used in combination with other plants, has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, in the form of fees and teas.

Formulations bearberry, Dosing and Administration

Infusion of leaves of bearberry: 10 g (1 tablespoon) raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, Pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water, was heated in boiling water (in a water bath) 15 m, cooled at room temperature for 45 m, filter, the remaining raw materials squeeze. The volume of the resulting infusion was adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared infusion stored in a cool place no more than 2 d.

Take 1/2 1/3 cup 3-5 times a day through 40 min after meal.

Decoction of leaves of bearberry: 10 g (1 tablespoon) raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, Pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water and heated in boiling water (in a water bath) 30 m, ohlalzhdayut at room temperature for 10 m, filter, the remaining raw materials squeeze. The volume of the resulting broth bring boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place no more 2 d.

Take 1 tablespoon 3-5 times a day via 40 min after meal.

Bearberry leaves stored in a dry, cool place.