PLANT

Bearberry, whose scientific name is Arcostaphylus uva ursi, is also known by other names, such as bearberry, wild grape or bear's grape. Either way, it is a small shrubby plant that belongs to the large group of Ericaceae.

We are talking about a plant that originated in North America and was baptised with this name due to the fact that bears eat it to their heart's content; however, it has a wide distribution both in the area from which it originates and in Canada, but also in the Caucasus, in the Siberian region and within the Old Continent.

Within the Italian borders, bearberries can be found with great frequency, especially in the moorlands of the Alps and Apennines, up to an altitude of 2400 metres.

The bearberry is very limited in size, especially in view of the fact that it can only grow to a height of 50 centimetres; during the spring season, it is characterised by turning green-red.

Bearberry plants are characterised by being evergreen and, for this reason, retain their leaves throughout the year.

FRUIT

The parts of the bearberry plant in which the beneficial properties are concentrated and which are therefore used in homeopathy and phytotherapy are the leaves and fruits.

Leavesshiny and oval, they take on a reddish colour in autumn. They are harvested in summer and left to rest in ventilated places wrapped in cloth or paper bags, then used dried or powdered, and their main property is that of being a natural antibiotic.

FruitsThey have a bitterish taste and are mostly consumed in northern regions as diuretics or laxatives, as they help to regularise the intestine.

PROPERTIES

The mother tincture of bearberry is mainly prescribed during the treatment of diseases of both the male and female urinary tract, such as cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and candidiasis. Thanks to the arbutin contained in the plant, it is in fact a strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, capable of soothing pain and the continuous urge to urinate.

It is also frequently used to treat gout. The diuretic action of arbutin allows excess uric acid waste to be eliminated from the blood and tissues.

Beneficial effects have also been found on menstrual disorders. The diuretic action reduces bloating typical of the cycle and mostly resulting from water retention.

The astringent properties of the tannins and glucoses in the mother tincture combat fermentations of the digestive system and are able to soothe acidity, reflux and soothe chronic and occasional dysentery.

A medium- to long-term treatment of bearberry can balance and restore the intestinal flora in particular situations of imbalance.

The flavonoids in bearberry are particularly beneficial for liver disease. They work as protectors and stimulators of toxin disposal, contributing to better functioning of liver activities.

Bearberry T.M. is also often used during slimming diets, not because it can act directly on excess fat, but because of its diuretic properties that promote the elimination of excess fluid.

POSITION