How to Prepare Uva Ursi

Uva ursi is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections. It is believed to be effective against pain, weakness of urinary organs and chronic irritation of the urinary tract. Uva ursi is most commonly prepared as an herbal tea or taken as a tincture.

Things You'll Need

• Spring or distilled water
• Small sauce pan
• Dried uva ursi leaves
• Coffee mugs
• Honey (optional)
• Uva ursi tincture

Instructions

1. Bring one cup of spring or distilled water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Watch it closely and remove it from heat as soon as it begins boiling so it doesn't evaporate.

2. Place 1 tablespoon of dried uva ursi leaves in a clean, dry coffee mug, and pour the boiling water over it. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Strain the liquid into a second clean, dry coffee mug, leaving the dried uva ursi leaves behind. Discard them in the compost pile or garbage bin.

4. Add honey to sweeten the uva ursi tea, if desired, and drink immediately. The recommended dosage is one to two cups per day for adults. Uva ursi should not be given to children, as the effects of the herb may be harsher for them.

5. If you have a hard time making or consuming uva ursi tea, it can also be taken as a tincture. Dilute 1 teaspoon of the tincture in one cup of water, and take it two to three times per day. Uva ursi tincture can be found in your local natural health or health food store.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not take uva ursi while pregnant or nursing, or if you have kidney disease. It should never be taken for longer than five days without a break in between, because its high tannin content can irritate the stomach. High dosages of uva ursi have been known to cause severe side effects, similar to poisoning, in some persons who are sensitive to the herb. Dosages should never exceed 1.5 ounces of the dried herb, which is much more than recommended in the above preparation instructions.