Uva ursi, also called bearberry, is a small evergreen shrub that grows across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its leathery leaves are the medicinal part, harvested and dried for use in teas, capsules, and extracts. The plant has been a go-to urinary remedy in Indigenous American, European folk, and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for hundreds of years.

The key active compound, arbutin, is converted in the urinary tract into hydroquinone, a substance with natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This conversion works best in an alkaline urine environment, which is why uva ursi is often paired with alkaline foods or supplements. The tannins in the leaves also have an astringent effect that may help soothe irritated bladder and urinary tract tissue.

Capsules and tablets with standardized arbutin content are the most practical option for consistent dosing. Dried leaf tea is the most traditional form and still widely used in Europe, though potency varies. Liquid extracts and tinctures offer flexible dosing but require attention to concentration. Standardized extracts are preferred for therapeutic use to ensure reliable arbutin levels.

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder irritation and inflammation
• Recurrent UTIs
• Urinary burning and discomfort
• Cystitis (bladder infection)
• Urinary tract antiseptic support
• Kidney and urinary tract inflammation
• Urinary tract bacterial overgrowth

• Recurrent UTIs — short preventive cycles have shown reduced infection frequency in clinical research

• Cranberries — Cranberries share the goal of preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and are the most researched food for urinary tract health, making them the top dietary companion to uva ursi.
• Blueberries — Related to cranberries, blueberries contain similar proanthocyanidins that may help prevent bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract.
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale) — Leafy greens are naturally alkalizing, which helps create the urine pH environment where uva ursi's active compounds work most effectively.
• Lemon water — Despite being acidic in flavor, lemon has an alkalizing effect on urine once metabolized, supporting the conditions needed for arbutin to convert to its active antiseptic form.
• Watermelon and cucumber — High-water-content foods support urinary flushing, helping wash bacteria out of the bladder while uva ursi's compounds do their antimicrobial work.

• Nausea and stomach upset — most common, especially on an empty stomach
• Vomiting — at higher doses
• Green or dark brown discoloration of urine — harmless, caused by hydroquinone metabolites
• Liver toxicity — associated with long-term or excessive use; not a concern with short-term therapeutic use
• Kidney irritation — risk increases with prolonged or repeated use
• Skin sensitization — rare, but hydroquinone can cause sensitivity reactions in some people
• Not safe during pregnancy — can stimulate uterine contractions

• Recommended daily: Standardized extract: 400–800 mg per day, standardized to 20% arbutin. Dried leaf tea: 3 g of dried leaves steeped in 150 mL water, taken 3–4 times daily. Tincture: follow product labeling for arbutin-equivalent dosing.
• Best time of day: Divided doses spread through the day (e.g., morning, midday, evening) work best to maintain consistent levels in the urine.
• With or without food: Take with food or a full glass of water to minimize stomach upset. Avoid taking with high-dose Vitamin C or other urine-acidifying supplements.
• Time to effect: Urinary symptom relief is typically noticed within 2–5 days of consistent use.
• How long to take it: Limit use to 5–7 consecutive days per episode. Do not use more than 2–3 times per year. For recurring UTI prevention, short pulsed cycles under practitioner guidance are recommended. Do not use long-term.