Uva Ursi Side Effects

The leaves of the small shrub 'uva ursi' have been used as a herbal medicine for centuries. Uva ursi has been in use as a diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic, since 2nd century. It is commonly known as crowberry, arberry, bearberry, rockberry, etc. Until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, uva ursi was commonly used to treat bladder and related infections. It was used by native Americans to get rid of headaches, to prevent and cure scurvy and to treat urinary tract infections. As it is one of the most popular herbal remedies, let us take a look at general uva ursi information before discussing uva ursi side effects. Here is an overview of uva ursi benefits.

Uva Ursi Benefits

• Uva ursi acts as a tonic for kidneys, liver and pancreas.
• It is useful in strengthening and toning the urinary passages.
• It helps prevent postpartum infection.
• Its astringent properties are beneficial in treating bed wetting problems.
• Uva ursi works great for chronic diarrhea. The astringent tannins from uva ursi can help in stool binding and can thus help relieve diarrhea.
• Uva ursi is the popular nutritional supplement and is known for its properties that promote relaxation of muscles. It helps soothe, strengthen and tighten irritated and inflamed tissues.
• Leaves of the dwarf shrub uva ursi exhibit diuretic, astringent, and antiseptic properties, which are best used to treat nephritis, kidney stones and chronic cystitis.
• The herb uva ursi neutralizes acidity in the urine. It promotes urine flow and thus, helps reduce bloating and water retention. These properties are also beneficial for weight loss.
• Uva ursi leaves are used to treat inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystitis, etc. When arbutin from uva ursi is excreted through the urinary tract it soothes any irritation, reduces inflammation and fights off infection.
• The element 'allantoin' from uva ursi is known for its soothing and tissue-repairing properties. So, uva ursi can also be used externally as an astringent wash for cuts and scrapes. Allantoin works great for cold sores, herpes and vaginal infections. It can be applied externally for back sprain.
• Uva ursi being a powerful diuretic, helps lower high blood pressure. Remember, diuretic action can deplete your body of potassium, so you are expected to increase your intake of potassium.
• Uva ursi tea can help cure diseases caused by bacteria like E-coli, Proteus vulgaris, Mycoplasma hominis, Staphylococcus strains and Candida albicans. The herbal tea is used to treat kidney infections, gout (accumulation of uric acid), and kidney stones. Uva ursi tea is used to treat bronchitis, nephritis, back pain, cystitis, dysuria, pyelitis and lithuria.

Now let us take a look at the side effects of uva ursi.

Uva Ursi Side Effects and Precautions

• Avoid Overdose: It has been observed that uva ursi side effects mainly occur due to an overdose. So, you should follow the instructions on the label regarding 'dosage' sincerely. The dose of uva ursi may vary according to the overall health of an individual, but usually, two to three gm of an oral 'dried-leaf preparation' (containing roughly 100-200 mg of arbutin) of uva ursi can be taken 3-4 times daily. According to the study reports, extremely high doses of uva ursi, (10 times greater than the commonly recommended amount), can cause nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears (high amount of hydroquinone present in uva ursi is responsible for tinnitus), convulsions, shortness of breath and collapse in some cases. A dose of 6,000 mg (6 grams) or higher, taken at one time may result in seizures. Body may turn blue due to the lack of oxygen in the blood. Single doses of 30,000 mg (30 grams) or higher can cause death. People taking larger amounts of uva ursi are more susceptible to cancers of the nose and esophagus.
• Who Should Avoid Taking Uva Ursi: Since no sufficient urva ursi information is available regarding safety; pregnant and lactating women, small children and people with high blood pressure, Crohn's disease, stomach ulcers and kidney diseases should avoid taking uva ursi.
• Diet To Be Followed: Your urine may turn greenish after ingestion of uva ursi. Lack of proper information can result in certain side effects. Uva ursi's antimicrobial properties would work only if the individual's urine is alkaline by nature. It is necessary to keep it in mind that while taking uva ursi, you should avoid eating acidic foods like citrus, pineapple, tomato. You should be aware of the fact that certain prescription medicines or drugs such as ammonium chloride, non-prescription products such as vitamin C, herbals such as rose hips, and foods like cranberry juice may make the urine more acidic. Thus, ingestion of a urine acidifier may reduce or destroy the antibacterial effects of uva ursi. On the other hand certain alkalizing foods such as alfalfa, peppermint, molasses, raisins, spinach, some dried beans and drugs such as antacids, Bicitra, K-lyte, Polycitra, and sodium bicarbonate reduce the acid levels in urine. They might actually enhance the healing power of uva ursi.
• Duration: You should not take uva ursi for more than a week at a time and no more than five times a year. Side effects of uva ursi such as greenish-brown discoloration of the urine, nausea and vomiting may occur due to intake of high doses. Liver damage can be caused by high doses of uva ursi, taken over extended periods (hydroquinone can cause liver toxicity). Long-term use of uva ursi increases the risk of tongue and lip cancer. Some people may suffer from increased irritability and insomnia after taking uva ursi for a longer period.

I hope you found the above uva ursi information regarding its side effects and benefits, useful. It is necessary to consult your doctor before taking uva ursi for a health problem. Teas, fluid extracts, and tinctures of uva ursi are available in the market. Study reports say that cold water extraction of uva ursi leaves helps reduce the level of irritating tannins. Check the label, read and follow the instructions; and do not forget to consult your physician before opting for a product that contains uva ursi.