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Overview: Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant called Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. The leaves of the plant are used to make tea and dietary supplements. Although it is sometimes used for kidney or bladder infections, its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Before taking uva ursi, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are using.

Uses

What is uva ursi used for?

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is sometimes used to prevent kidney or bladder infections (urinary tract infections, or UTIs) or to manage the symptoms of an existing UTI. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed uva ursi for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does uva ursi work (mechanism of action)?

Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant called Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. Although the plant is known for its reddish-orange berry, teas and dietary supplements that contain uva ursi are made from the leaves of the plant.

Uva ursi leaves contain a chemical called arbutin. Your body turns arbutin into another chemical called hydroquinone. This chemical may help increase the pH of your urine and may also be able to kill some of the bacteria that cause infections, but research shows that uva ursi is not a reliable option for treating kidney or bladder infections (urinary tract infections, or UTIs). It may also not be helpful for preventing these infections. If you are concerned that you may have a UTI, speak to a health care provider about your treatment options.

Some people use uva ursi to help with the symptoms of a UTI, such as burning and an urgent need to pee. However, it is not clear if it is helpful for reducing these symptoms.

Herbal products, like uva ursi, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific uva ursi product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store uva ursi?

You should store uva ursi according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of uva ursi?

The most common side effects of uva ursi are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of uva ursi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of uva ursi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of uva ursi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Uva ursi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking uva ursi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use uva ursi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take uva ursi.

  • Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • Bearberry
  • Kinnikinnick
  • Uva ursi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific uva ursi products they stock.

What should I know about uva ursi before using it?

Uva ursi is available as a tea and dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep uva ursi out of the reach of children.

If you have symptoms of an infection in the kidney or bladder (also known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI), call your health care provider. Uva ursi should not be used to treat an existing UTI. It is also not clear whether uva ursi is helpful for managing the symptoms of a UTI, such as burning or an urgent need to pee.

Uva ursi may cause your urine to turn a greenish-brown color. This change in color is harmless and should go away after you stop taking uva ursi.

Herbal products, such as uva ursi, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific uva ursi product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Uva ursi is available in different forms, including as a tea, capsule, or tablet. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested uva ursi products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using uva ursi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if uva ursi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how uva ursi could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if uva ursi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does uva ursi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between uva ursi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect uva ursi.

Does uva ursi interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between uva ursi and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with uva ursi is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking uva ursi with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much uva ursi?

If you or someone else has used too much uva ursi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take uva ursi safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.