Uva Ursi

Uva ursi is a shrub that grows flowers and berries. The leaves are used to make medicine. Bears are particularly fond of uva ursi berries. This explains the Latin name, “uva ursi,” which means “bear’s grape.” Most authorities refer to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi as uva ursi. Do not confuse this plant with Arctostaphylos adentricha and Arctostaphylos coactylis, which have also been referred to as uva ursi. Uva ursi is used for infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs) and swelling (inflammation) of the urinary tract, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.