UVA URSI

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi: Ericaceae

PLANET: Pluto

TASTE: astringent, bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: cold	DOSHAS: V+P-K-

MERIDIANS: bladder, kidney, colon

ACTIONS: astringent, diuretic, demulcent, urinary antiseptic, strengthens and tones urinary passages, normalises blood pressure by regulating fluid balance, regulates blood sugar.

INDICATIONS: cystitis, urethritis, nephritis, urolithiasis, hematuria, used to prevent post-partum infections

PRECAUTIONS: overconsumption can result in a harmless greening of the urine

CONSTITUENTS: a glucoside called ARBUTIN and methyl-arbutin (these are hydrolysed in the body to from hydroquinone, a urinary antiseptic proven effective agst E. Coli and Staph species), ERICOLIN, URSONE, tannin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, URSOLIC ACID, quercitin and isoquercitin, myricetin, hydroquinone

PREPARATION AND USE:
-infusion of 1 tsp leaves to one cup boiling water. Do not boil.
-often combined with marshmallow root to soothe urinary tract

NUTRITIONAL USE: grouse eat them, but cattle don't

USE IN MAGIC:
-used in sachets or tonics to increase psychic powers
-American Indians used it in pipe mixtures and shamanic training

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-symbolises the purifying stream of love; clears the irritations one feels toward another, allowing perception of the divine presence in all
-Tierra calls it the sacred herb of Mount Shasta

"When I meet those who are different with love and humour, we both learn how much we have in common."