What is it used for?
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as a mild diuretic) to help relieve symptoms associated with mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections, such as burning sensation and/or frequent urination (EMA 2018; Godfrey and Saunders 2010; Hoffman 2003; BHP 1983; Grieve 1971; Felter 1922; Ellingwood 1919; Felter and Lloyd 1898).
For multi-ingredient products:
To prevent the product from being represented as a "traditional medicine", any indicated traditional use claim must refer to the specific active ingredient(s) and recognized traditional system of medicine from which the claim originates when 1) both traditional and modern claims are present or 2) when claims originate from multiple systems of traditional medicine (e.g., Bearberry is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve symptoms associated with mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections, such as burning sensation or frequent urination).
When ALL of the active ingredients (MIs) in the product are used within the SAME identified system of traditional medicine AND the product makes ONLY traditional claims, listing of MIs in the traditional claim(s) is not required.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine/Used in Herbal Medicine
Methods of preparation: Powdered, Non-Standardized Ethanolic Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract)
0.3 - 1.33 grams of dried leaves, 2 to 3 times per day (Newall 1996; Bradley 1992; BHP 1983; Felter 1922; Ellingwood 1919; Felter and Lloyd 1898).
Methods of preparation: Dry*, Decoction, Decoction concentrate, Infusion, Infusion concentrate
1.5 - 8 grams of dried leaves, per day; not to exceed 1.5 grams of dried leaves per single dose (EMA 2018; WHO 2002; Blumenthal 2000; Newall 1996; Bradley 1992; BHP 1983; Felter and Lloyd 1898).
*Note: Dried leaves should be prepared as an infusion or decoction by consumers prior to use (see direction for use).
Used in Herbal Medicine (non-traditional claim only)
Methods of preparation: Standardized Extracts (Dry Extract)
500 - 700 milligrams of dry extract standardized to 20% - 30% of Arbutin, 2 to 4 times per day [Source note 2].
Note: The standardized dry extract dose is equivalent to 100 - 210 milligrams of Arbutin, 2 to 4 times per day.
How is it used?
All products
Take a few hours before or after taking medications or health products [Source note 3].
Do not take with foods or medications that can acidify the urine [Source note 4].
Loose dosage form (for infusion/decoction)*
Place [insert volume to be measured by consumer, e.g., X teaspoons] of dried leaves in [insert the volume of water, e.g., ½ cup (125 mL)] of boiling/cold water. Infuse for [e.g., 5-15 minutes]/Bring to a boil and let simmer for [e.g., 10-20 minutes]. Strain and drink.
*Note: This direction of use statement can be modified on the label provided that it gives clear instructions to consumers.
How long is it used?
Products providing 60 milligrams or more of dried leaves and/or products providing 20 milligrams or more of Arbutin, per day
For occasional use only.
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 1 week [Source note 5].
Warnings and precautions
All products
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Products providing 60 milligrams or more of dried leaves and/or products providing 20 milligrams or more of Arbutin, per day
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have a liver disorder, fever, painful urination (dysuria), spasms, or blood in urine [Source note 6].
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 7].
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi | Leaf | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2024; Common names: USDA 2024; Source information: Grieve 1971; Felter 1922.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- January 30, 2026
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.