Bearberry
Ericaceae
Typical of mountain areas in the northern hemisphere. It prefers acid soil in places partially exposed to the sun.
The leaves
Dry extract titrated in min. 10% arbutin (French Pharm. X)
Arctostaphylos uva ursi
Produced in capsules.
The correct dose of dry extract titrated as above is 8-12 mg per kg of body weight per day. To be taken in two parts preferably outside of mealtimes. Extract of bearberry should be taken with a glass of water in which a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda has been dissolved in order to increase urine pH.
The main active ingredients are phenol heterosides, particularly arbutin and methylarbutin. There are also flavonoids, triterpenes and an iridoid.
Helps to prevent the proliferation of germs in the bladder and their adhesion to the bladder walls.
The main effect of this plant is that in combats germs living in the urinary tracts. This effect is generally improved by adding bicarbonate of soda to the bearberry to make the urine more alkaline.
It has been demonstrated that many germs which cause bladder infections have the ability to adhere to the surface of the cells they infect and that this is a fundamental part of their pathogenic power. Treating these germs with dry extract titrate of bearberry prevents them adhering to the cells and therefore prevents infection.
Dry extract titrate of bearberry also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to combat damage caused to the bladder cells by free radicals.
Do not use during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Do not give to children under the age of 10. Bearberry extract should be used in treatment cycles of not longer than 10-12 consecutive days, which can be repeated as necessary.
