Bearberry, benefits and most important properties
The gayuba It is a plant that tends to grow in America, Asia and northern Europe, generally forming a series of small bushes that are easy to identify. It is also known with the curious name of bear grape, and scientifically its correct name isArctostaphylos uva-ursi, belonging to the family of the Ericaceae.
It is characterized by having very green and perennial leaves, small size and a taste certainly unpleasant for people.
Since it is an interesting plant for purification of the kidneys, is an ideal remedy to lower levels of high creatinine, thanks to the different properties of the bearberry, which we find precisely in this medicinal plant. But first let's find out a little more about what it is and how it is.
What is gayuba and what is it for?
As we explained briefly at the beginning of this note, with the name of gayuba we are facing a perennial plant belonging to the family of the Ericaceae, a large family comprising about 200 species of different plants (especially small trees or shrubs).
From a scientific point of view it is known by the name ofArctostaphylos uva-ursi, and popularly it is also known by the name of bear grape, for its translation in Greek and Latin.
It usually reaches half a meter in height, its leaves are small, hard and oval, with pink flowers with the curious shape of bells. In addition, it has tremendously characteristic berries, red in the form of spheres of small size.
Benefits of the bearberry
The leaves of the gayuba they contain a substance, which is called arbutoside, which is able to metabolize hydroquinone and help its subsequent elimination through urine.
In fact, it is one of the richest plants in arbutin. And what is arbutin? It basically consists of a component to which we owe that, precisely, this plant possesses an antiseptic, antibacterial and diuretic effect.
For example, it becomes a very interesting natural option when it comes to treat fluid retention, while, as we will see in the following lines, thanks to its qualities antibacterial and antiseptic It is ideal for treat urinary tract infections.
Bearberry against urinary infections
It's interesting their properties against the bacterium Escherichia coli, a pathogen responsible for numerous infections of the urinary tract, which is called cystitis.
Nor should we forget one of the benefits of the bearberry most important and outstanding: its anti-inflammatory and diuretic virtues, which favors the increase in the volume of urine and the elimination of urea.
With regard to the natural treatment of urinary tract infections with bearberry, it is an excellent natural option in case of infections due toStreptococcusspp. YCandida albicans, the most common infections in this regard.
On the other hand, is able to destroy bacteria in the urine, thanks precisely to the presence of arbutin in its composition. When consumed, this compound is hydrolyzed, so that hydroquinone is released from the liver. Finally, it reaches the kidney and is eliminated by the urine.
Thus, Bearberry is very useful in case of ureteritis, urethritis and cystitis. And, in addition, it is also interesting in case of conditions of the prostate in man and vaginitis or leucorrhea in women.
Currently you can find it in many herbalists and specialty stores, mainly in the form of capsules, which contain criomolido powder.
How can you take the bearberry?
As long as there is no contraindication that prevents their consumption, currently in herbalists and specialized dietetics shops we can find it in the form of capsules or in liquid form. Therefore, you should always follow the indications that we will find in the package that we have purchased.
However, the most common is to consume the following dose: between 2 to 3 capsules 3 times a day, preferably with meals.
It is also possible to elaborate a infusion of bearberry directly at home, opting for it through the leaves of bearberry. Depending on the disorder you wish to treat, it is possible to combine it with other herbs and plants to, for example, increase its diuretic and depurative effect (birch leaves or horsetail are ideal).
What are the contraindications of the bearberry?
As with any other medicinal herb and plant, we must pay attention to the contraindications that this plant presents, especially before consumption. So, we should know that We do not recommend a consumption greater than 7 days of gayuba.
On the other hand, below we indicate what are its main contraindications:
- Constipation:Being a plant with astringent effect, its consumption is not recommended in case of constipation, as they can aggravate it. This effect is due to its high tannin content.
- Liver diseases:Due to its hydroquinone content (mentioned above), it is a contraindicated plant in case of liver diseases, especially liver inflammation (hepatitis), liver failure and cirrhosis.
- Iron-deficiency anemia:Since tannins prevent the correct absorption of iron that we obtain through the food we consume, people with anemia due to lack of iron should avoid its consumption.
