Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Uva Ursi
In the urinary tract the arbutin in uva ursi is chemically transformed into an antiseptic chemical, hydroquinone, according to several studies. In addition, the herb contains diuretic chemicals, including ursolic acid, powerful astringents (tannins), and a chemical that helps promote the growth of healthy new cells, allantoin.
Urinary Ailments - Together, the actions of uva uri’s active chemicals support its age-old use in urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other urinary ailments.
Some herbalists report uva ursi has cured UTIs unresponsive to pharmaceutical antibiotics. This is certainly possible, but scientific sources say pharmaceutical antibiotics are generally more effective. For mild urinary symptoms, try uva ursi as herbal first aid. For urinary problems requiring professional care, use the herb in addition to standard therapies.
But there’s an important catch to using uva ursi. To receive the greatest antiseptic benefit the urine must be alkaline, which means you must avoid acidic foods and supplements, such as sauerkraut citrus fruits and their juices, and vitamin C, while taking it.
Women’s Health - Diuretics may provide relief from the premenstrual bloating that bothers many women. Pregnant and nursing women should not use diuretics, however. Uva ursi also stimulates uterine contractions in animal studies, making it even more off-limits to pregnant women.
High Blood Pressure - Physicians often prescribe diuretics to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious condition requiring professional care. If you have it and would like to include uva ursi in your overall treatment plan, do so only with the supervision of your physician.
Diuretics deplete the body of potassium, an essential nutrient. If you use them regularly, increase your consumption of foods high in potassium, such as bananas and fresh vegetables.
Congestive Heart Failure - Physicians often prescribe diuretics to treat this condition, which involves serious fatigue of the heart. Congestive heart failure requires professional care. If you would like to include uva ursi in your overall treatment plan, discuss using the herb with your physician.
Wound Healing - Uva ursi’s allantoin may help spur wound Healing. Allantoin is the active ingredient in several over-thecounter skin creams, such as Herpicin-L Cold Sore Lip Balm, for relief of oral herpes, and Vagimide Cream, for irritation associated with vaginal infections.
Diarrhea - The astringent tannins in uva ursi are binding and help relieve diarrhea.
Rx for Uva Ursi
For wound treatment, apply fresh, crushed leaves to minor cuts and scrapes after they have been thoroughly washed with soap and water. Or dip a clean cloth in a decoction and apply the compress to the affected area.
To minimize the unpleasantly astringent taste of this hightannin herb, soak the leaves in cold water overnight. Then, for a decoction to help treat urinary symptoms or diarrhea, simmer 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
In a tincture, use ΒΌ to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Uva ursi should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.