Uva Ursi Leaf | Whole | Wildcrafted | Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Uva Ursi — "grape of the bear" in Latin — is one of the most enduring urinary herbs in the Western herbal tradition. A low-growing evergreen ground cover found across the northern hemisphere from the Rocky Mountains to Scandinavia to Siberia, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has been used by indigenous peoples of North America and European herbalists alike for centuries as a primary herb for urinary tract and kidney wellness. Its glossy, spatula-shaped leaves are unmistakable in the wild, and it is one of those herbs that has remained a staple of the serious herbalist's apothecary precisely because it works so consistently and so well for its primary purpose.

Our Uva Ursi is whole wildcrafted leaf — Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, carefully dried to preserve its arbutin, tannin, and flavonoid content. The leaf is the medicinal part — rich in arbutin, a compound that converts to hydroquinone in the urinary tract and is responsible for Uva Ursi's well-documented urinary antiseptic properties. Wildcrafted and packed to order in small batches.

A note on preparation: Uva Ursi is best prepared as a cold infusion rather than a hot tea — cold water extracts the arbutin more effectively while minimizing the extraction of harsh tannins that can cause stomach upset. Steep in cold water for 8–12 hours, strain, and drink. A short hot infusion (not a boiling decoction) is also acceptable. Uva Ursi is traditionally used in short-term protocols of 1–2 weeks, not as a long-term daily tonic.

Traditionally Used to Support

• Urinary tract wellness — Uva Ursi's primary and most celebrated use; one of the most widely used herbs in Western herbalism for supporting a healthy urinary tract environment; the arbutin content converts to hydroquinone in alkaline urine, providing natural urinary antiseptic support
• Kidney and bladder wellness — traditionally used to support healthy kidney and bladder function, reduce urinary discomfort, and promote healthy urine flow; a foundational herb in traditional urinary support formulas
• Urinary tract toning — the tannin content provides astringent support to urinary tract tissues; traditionally used to support healthy tone and integrity of the urinary mucosa
• Lymphatic and detoxification support — used in traditional European herbalism as a mild lymphatic and detoxification herb alongside its primary urinary applications

How to Use

Cold infusion (preferred): Place 1–2 teaspoons of whole dried Uva Ursi leaf in 8–10 oz of cold water. Cover and steep for 8–12 hours (overnight works well). Strain and drink. This method extracts arbutin effectively while minimizing harsh tannin extraction.

Hot infusion: Pour just-boiled water over 1–2 teaspoons of leaf. Steep covered for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink. Slightly more astringent than the cold infusion method.

Blending: Pairs beautifully with cleavers and cornsilk for a classic urinary support formula, marshmallow root for a soothing urinary blend, or dandelion leaf for a kidney and urinary tonic formula.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, whole dried Uva Ursi leaf retains its potency for 1–2 years.

Not for use during pregnancy or nursing. Not recommended for long-term daily use or use in children. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medications. Best used in short-term protocols of 1–2 weeks.

Wildcrafted. Whole leaf. No fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.