UVA-URSI
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
bearberry, kinnikinik, pinemat manzanita, mountain cranberry

Description: A low, trailing evergreen shrub that is mat-forming, with long trailing stems of papery reddish bark. Leaves are small, shiny-leathery, and spoon-shaped. Pink or white flowers are waxy looking, egg-shaped with small lobed mouths in small, closely-crowded, drooping clusters. The fruit is a red berry. Found in exposed rock or sand throughout the U.S. in higher elevations.

Edible, Medicinal: The berries are dry and not particularly inviting when raw, but quite pleasant when cooked, served with cream and a sweetener. Dried leaves are used as a tobacco substitute. Stems, leaves, picked in the fall, is brewed to treat headaches, prevent and cure scurvy. As a diuretic and antibacterial for cystitis and urinary tract disorders and applied externally for back sprain. Roots have been used as a dysentery cure. Leaf tea for a soothing and astringent effect. It is of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys. Add 1 tsp. leaves, soaked in alcohol or wine, to 1 cup boiling water. Drink 3 cups a day, cold. Excessive use, 2-3 days, can lead to stomach distress. Prolonged use can produce chronic poisoning.

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