Home Endocrinology Bearberry: beneficial properties and contraindications. Beneficial properties of bearberry leaves and contraindications for use: instructions

Bearberry: beneficial properties and contraindications. Beneficial properties of bearberry leaves and contraindications for use: instructions

Common bearberry (bearberry, bearberry, bear's ear, bearberry, tormento) is a creeping evergreen shrub from the Ericaceae family, very similar to lingonberries. It grows in Siberia, the Caucasus, the Far East, and is also found in places in the sandy tundra. Distributed in North America, Northern Europe. It is also found in Central and Southern Europe: in the Alps, Apennines and Balkans.

Prefers dry pine forests, deciduous forests, birch-larch woodlands, glades, grows well on predominantly sandy soil, with sufficient access sunlight. It colonizes clearings and burnt areas well, growing on seaside rocks and gravelly places. With insufficient moisture, its growth slows down, the leaves become rough and brown, and then the leaf shoots die off altogether. The peculiarity of the plant is the presence of endo- and exotrophic mycorrhiza, therefore for growth there must be mycorrhiza-forming fungi in the soil. It does not tolerate competition with other plants and grows in clumps within its range.

The medicinal properties and contraindications of bearberry have been known for a very long time, which allows the plant to be used in official and folk medicine.

Morphological description

The height of the bush is 5-30 cm. The stems are branched, recumbent, rooting and ascending. The leaves have an oblong, obovate shape. At the base they are narrowed into a short petiole, and at the top they are rounded. Above dark green, shiny, with visible veins, matte and lighter below. The leaves have a solid edge, without edges, and are arranged alternately: they live for 2 years, and in the 3rd they die and fall off.

A distinctive feature of lingonberries is small brown dots on back side leaves. Knowing this feature, plants can be easily identified in nature.

Blooms from April to June. The inflorescence is a small apical raceme, consisting of several drooping white-pink flowers on short pedicels. The corolla itself is pitcher-shaped, has a five-toothed bend, and there are hard hairs inside. The anthers with appendages are dark red in color and open with holes at the top. The style is somewhat shorter than the corolla.

The fruit ripens in August-September and is a berry-shaped drupe of dark red color with a diameter of 0.6-0.8 cm. The pulp is mealy, inside of which there are five seeds.

Chemical composition

Basic chemically active substances plants are phenols and phenol glycosides (their derivatives):

Bearberry leaves are also rich in:

terpenoids (ursulic and oleic acids, uvaol, erythrodiol, lupeol, α- and β-amyrins);
anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin);
catechins;
resin;
wax;
iodine, zinc, copper and manganese;
ascorbic acid.

The following were found in the shoots of the plant:

flavonoids (isoquercetin, quercetin, myricitrin, myricetin, hyperoside);
C-benzylated dihydroflavanones (hamanetin and isochamanetin);
iridoids (monotropein and unedoside);
phenolcarboxylic acids with derivatives (up to 6% gallic acid, n-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, lilac acid, ellagalic acid, protocatechoic acid, vanillic acid, methyl gallate, corilagin);
up to 35% pyrogallic tannins (ellagitannins and gallotannins);
organic acids (formic, quinic, galsic, malic, etc.);
small amount of essential oil;
micro- and macroelements.

Collection and preparation

Useful properties bearberry leaves, as well as its shoots, allow them to be harvested as medicinal raw materials. The plant can be collected in the spring before flowering or at its very beginning, as well as in the fall, when the fruits are fully ripe (before the fruits fall off).

Raw materials can be collected at one site no earlier than 5 years after the previous collection. Dry in dryers at T 50-60 °C or in ventilated areas. Stored in linen bags for 5 years.

History and scientific research of bearberry

The first mentions of the medicinal properties of bear's ear date back to the 12th century - then it was already used in England: in the Old English medicinal book “Meddygon Myddfai” a description of the properties of the plant is given.
In medieval medicine Armenian peoples flour was used as astringent with diarrhea and hemoptysis.
Recognition in Germany medicinal plant, bearberry received only in the 18th century.

German civil service Health recognizes the bear's ear as one of the effective means in the treatment of inflammatory processes urinary tract.

Instructions for the use of bearberry in scientific and practical medicine in France date back to the 20s. 20th century The famous herbalist of this country, Leclerc, recommended the plant as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory drug for kidney pathologies, bladder and prostatitis.
In folk medicine of Siberia and the North of Russia, bearberry was used for pathologies of the urinary system, for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis and gonorrhea. Moreover, in a number of localities in Russia the plant is still used for this purpose.
In Lithuanian folk medicine, the plant was used in treatment chronic diarrhea, hypertension, neuroses, to tone the body, eliminate inflammatory processes.
Tibetan healers use the leaves of the plant for heartburn, Graves' disease, and gastritis.
Ukrainian herbalist Nosal V. recommends plant preparations for urinary incontinence at night in children.
Czech scientists have developed a technology for culturing mesophilic cells of bearberry leaves. However, arbutin and other phenol glycosides do not accumulate with this method, and the active base is represented by triterpene compounds derived from oleanolic acid.
In 1974, at the Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute of St. Petersburg, a method was developed for obtaining a liquid concentrate from a plant leaf that contained up to 15% arbutin. In experiments conducted on laboratory rats, it was found that the drug increased diuresis by 37%.
In vitro experiments have proven that plant leaf extracts inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans and Mycoplasma hominis.
In 2001, Japanese scientists found that bearberry extract increases the sensitivity of St. aureus (methicillin-resistant strains) to β-lactam antibiotics.

Pharmacological and medicinal properties

Plant preparations have pronounced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The beneficial properties of bearberry are due to the action chemicals, included in its parts.

The anti-inflammatory effect is due to the presence of tannins in the plant.
Antioxidant properties are determined by the presence of gallic acid.
Antiseptic properties are associated with local irritation and antimicrobial effect phenol hydroquinone.
The diuretic effect is also associated with hydroquinone and other phenols: they irritate the kidney tissue as they pass through it and increase urination.
Antimicrobial properties are associated with the glycoside arbutin, which breaks down into free hydroquinone and glucose under the influence of the enzyme arbutase.
The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect is determined by ursulic acid.
Hydroquinone has a rejuvenating, whitening and cleansing effect.

In both official and folk medicine, bearberry is primarily used as an antiseptic for diseases of the urinary tract, urethra and bladder, urolithiasis. The combined effect of bearberry leads to cleansing of the urinary tract from pathogenic flora and inflammatory products.

Also, plant preparations are used as an astringent for heartburn, diarrhea, gastritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes mellitus, gout, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis, rheumatism. Milk decoctions of bearberry fruits are used to treat diarrhea and gastritis.

External use of plant preparations helps reduce the severity of wrinkles, improve and brighten the skin (with hyperpigmentation), eliminate inflammation and blackheads. So, cream with bearberry Kredo Natur – unique product, cleanses pores of blackheads in 7-10 days. Cream from the domestic manufacturer “Clean Line” with bearberry is recommended for people with very dry and sensitive skin, and according to reviews, it really helps with these problems.

Instructions for the use of bearberry in folk medicine

Bearberry decoction

Indicated for chronic gastritis, edema, cystitis, urethritis, chronic nephritis, constipation, uterine bleeding, chronic colitis, diathesis, diabetes. It is used externally to treat poorly healing wounds, abrasions, and scratches.

Preparation: 1 tbsp. Grind dry leaves until a powdery mass is formed, pour in 1 cup of boiling water and put it all on water bath. Heat this mixture for 20 minutes, then leave for another 40 minutes. Strain the resulting product and bring to the original volume with boiled water. Not recommended for patients with sensitive stomachs as it contains tannins and irritates the mucous membrane.

Take after 30 minutes. after meals, 50 ml, 3 times a day.

Cold infusion

Effective for cystitis and other inflammatory processes in the urinary system.

Preparation: 10 gr. Combine dry leaves of the plant with 2 glasses of cold water.

Leave for 12 hours, then heat for 5 minutes, without bringing to a boil, strain. This method allows you to extract almost all active components from the leaves, but without tannins. This reduces the likelihood of developing side effects and allows you to get a mild, but no less effective remedy.

How to drink bearberry: 30 ml 30 minutes after meals, 3 times a day. You can store the infusion in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

Alcohol tincture

Used for sleep disorders, diseases nervous system, urolithiasis, alcoholism; rheumatism, oncological diseases and gout as a pain reliever.

Preparation: 40 gr. Place crushed dry leaves in a glass container, add 250 ml of vodka and leave to infuse in the dark for 2 weeks. Strain the finished tincture.

Take 15 drops 30 minutes after meals 3 times a day.

Extract

Applicable in complex treatment pathologies of the urinary tract: pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis. In gynecology it is used for cervicitis and vaginitis. In cosmetology it is used to improve appearance and cleansing the skin, accelerating regeneration and rejuvenation, reducing inflammation and healing damage. Stops hair loss and stimulates the growth of hair follicles.

Preparation: the leaves of the plant are crushed to 3 mm and an extractant (water or alcohol) is prepared. For 1 part of leaves, take 5 parts of extractant, which should be divided into 3 portions: 3:1:1. First, 3 parts of the extractant are added to the leaves and kept for 4 days at room temperature. The extract is drained, the grass is squeezed out and poured with 1 part of the extractant. After 2 days, the process is repeated, but the drug is infused for 1 day. All extracts obtained are mixed together and stored in a bottle in the refrigerator.

Take 1 tbsp 30 minutes before meals. up to 5 times a day for 1 month. 4 courses of treatment can be carried out per year. Use externally for local treatment of problem areas.

Collections with bearberry and recipes for certain diseases

Collection for the treatment of neuroses, insomnia

Mix bear's ear and motherwort grass in equal parts. Take 2 tbsp. mixture, add 3 cups of water to them and place everything in a saucepan and in a water bath. Cook until the liquid has evaporated by 1/3. Cool and strain.

Take 50 ml before meals (before each meal).

Collection for the treatment of cystitis

Mix 20 gr. hernia and bearberry, add 5 grams to the mixture. dried parsley and the same amount of celandine. Grind the plant mixture and add 1 cup of boiling water to it, leave for 60 minutes.

Take 3 times a day, 30 minutes after meals, 50 ml.

Diuretic collection

Take bearberry leaves, licorice root and cornflower flowers in a ratio of 3:1:1. Add 1 tbsp to 250 ml of boiling water. this mixture and leave for 20 minutes.

Take 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Recipe for gout

Pour 500 ml of water into a saucepan, put 3 tbsp. dry bearberry leaves, put on fire and wait until it boils. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and cover with a lid, wait until it cools. Strain.

Take with meals, 2 times a day. You can also soak in this decoction gauze bandage and apply it to sore spots for 15 minutes. This treatment is carried out until the pain completely disappears.

Collection for pyelonephritis

Take 10 grams of bearberry leaves, birch leaves, grass horsetail, licorice root and 20 grams each of lingonberry leaf, flax seeds and nettle herb. 1 tbsp. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over this mixture, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes and leave for 60 minutes.

Take 1/3 cup twice a day.

Collection for edema

Mix birch leaves, corn silk and bearberry in equal parts, 100 g. steam the collection with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 24 hours in a dry, warm place.

Take half a glass 3 times a day, 60 minutes after meals.

Medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis

2 tbsp. Mix dry raw materials of the plant with 100 ml of vodka, leave in the dark for 14 days, strain.

Take 10-15 drops after meals, 3 times a day.

Collection for the treatment of rheumatism

In equal proportions, take bearberry leaves, horsetail grass, flaps of bean pods, corn stigmas, sweet grass and knotweed grass, willow bark, cornflower flowers, silver birch buds. Grind the plant mixture, take 1 tbsp. this mixture and pour 250 ml of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and leave for another half hour, strain.

Drink 100 ml h/w 40 minutes after meals 5 times a day.

Collection for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Take in equal proportions bear's ear, heart-shaped linden flowers, oregano, leaves peppermint, large plantain, motherwort, horsetail, marsh grass and, chop. 1 tbsp. Pour boiling water (2 cups) over the mixture and leave for 40 minutes, squeeze.

Take 1 glass twice a day. 60 minutes after eating.

Pharmaceutical preparations with bearberry

Uriflorin. A single drug in the form of tablets based on the leaves of the plant, which is effective in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract and bladder (cystitis, urethritis).
Lessons. Syrup, which, in addition to bear's ear, contains extracts of birch leaves, lingonberries and cranberry fruits. Shown in complex therapy inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract.
Uriflan. Dietary supplement in the form of capsules containing dry extract of the plant. Indicated in the treatment of chronic and acute pyelonephritis, acute and chronic cystitis and urethritis, congestive processes in the pelvis.
Ursul. Multicomponent dietary supplement for food. It is recommended as a general strengthening drug to maintain the functions of the urinary system, as well as an additional source of minerals for inflammatory pathologies genitourinary tract.
Dry bearberry leaves(or in filter bags) - a herbal medicine used in the complex treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract.

Contraindications to treatment

Bearberry should not be taken if:

acute renal failure;
glomerulonephritis;
children under 12 years old;
lactating and pregnant women;
patients with hypersensitivity to the plant.

Bearberry is contraindicated during pregnancy, since the plant has a tonic effect on the muscles of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage or childbirth. ahead of schedule. Despite this, some doctors prescribe plant preparations to women in pregnancy when they detect inflammatory diseases urinary tract and edema, considering them safer compared to chemically synthesized drugs. However, there are limitations for this group of patients, and they should not be neglected.

Side effects and special instructions

When treated with plant preparations in large doses possible exacerbation of inflammatory phenomena in the urinary organs and development kidney symptoms, which is associated with prolonged irritation of the renal tubules.

It is also possible to develop vomiting, nausea, chills, fever and diarrhea.

To reduce the likelihood side effect When treating with bearberry, it is recommended to use it in combination with plants (in the form of preparations) that have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Also, during treatment with plant preparations, pathologies of the urinary tract should be excluded. protein products, because they oxidize urine. The bulk of the diet should be plant food. To ensure that the urine pH remains alkaline, before taking bearberry preparations, you need to drink a solution prepared from 1 glass of water and 1 tsp. soda
During treatment, you should not take medications that contain alkalis and alkaloids.

How to distinguish bearberry from lingonberry

Very often, dried lingonberry raw materials are given out under the guise of bearberry and sold in markets. There will be no harm from such treatment, but there will also be no benefit to the expected extent.

Even in the 8th century pharmacopoeia, a technique for analyzing medicinal raw materials to determine falsification was described. An aqueous infusion is prepared from the tested raw material in a ratio of 1:50, then a crystal of iron sulfate is added to it. If the tested raw material is bearberry, then the solution should first turn red, then turn purple, and after the end of the reaction a dark purple precipitate should appear. If it is a lingonberry leaf, such a reaction is not observed.

The second method requires the presence of ferroammonium alum, when a few drops are added to the bearberry infusion, the latter acquires a black-blue color. If the infusion is made from lingonberries, it will turn green-black.

Bearberry is a medicinal plant from the Heather genus, used for centuries for treatment. various diseases, mainly the genitourinary tract. Bearberry leaves and shoots are used in traditional medicine. An infusion and decoction are prepared from them, which should be taken, like any medicine, strictly in accordance with the instructions, taking into account all possible contraindications and side effects.

What does bearberry look like?

The plant has a second popular name, bear ears, due to the shape of its leaves - it is obovate. The leaves are covered with a network of capillaries. The grass blooms in late spring and early summer, flowers are whitish-pink. In place of the flowers, a small red berry is formed that has a tart taste. The grass doesn't burn.

Leaves should be harvested before flowering or after the fruits have fallen. The brown color of the raw material indicates that the collection occurred incorrectly, and such leaves cannot be used. The plant should not be plucked from its roots, as this will lead to the death of its thickets.

What grass can do

The medicinal properties of the plant are due to its chemical composition:

The diuretic effect is due to the presence of arbutin and methylarbutin glycosides and flavonoids in the plant.
The combination of arbutin with gallic acid methyl ester and hydroquinone has an antiseptic effect on urine, providing antimicrobial effect(Urolesan also has the same properties). It is hydroquinone that ensures the destruction of microbes such as coli, enterococcus, staphylococcus, enterobacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, mycoplasma, listeria and ureaplasma. It also kills bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
The antifungal, antituberculosis and at the same time anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are due to the presence of tannins in its composition. Particularly anti-inflammatory activity bear ears expressed in relation to the urinary system in conditions of a dehydrated body.
Membrane stability kidney cells and the antioxidant effect is provided by the glycoside arbutin.
Grass provides better fabric stability genitourinary system to a small amount of oxygen.
In shock situations, bearberry increases blood pressure.
Hydroquinone, contained in leaves and shoots, improves the absorption of glucose by tissues and reduces the degree of ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes.
The astringent effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines is due to tannins.
Choleretic properties.

When to use bear ears

The main properties of this plant - anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antimicrobial - determine its use in the treatment of diseases of the urinary system and kidneys, but only necessarily - after a consultation with a urologist:

in the treatment of cystitis – acute and chronic
for relief of urethritis
for the treatment of urolithiasis
as first aid if blood is detected in the urine.

Proper use of the plant

The instructions for use indicate that the herb can be used in the form of decoction, infusion and tea. You can also use the leaves of this plant and other herbs to prepare a diuretic mixture.

A decoction of the leaves is prepared as follows:

Place 1 tbsp in a glass or enamel bowl.
pour 200 ml of boiled hot water
place, covered with a lid, in a water bath
boil for half an hour
removed from the bathhouse
Cool for 10 minutes at room temperature
strain and squeeze out the remaining leaves
bring the resulting volume to 200 ml
the instructions clearly indicate that before using this decoction you need to shake it and drink 1 tbsp. 40 minutes before meals, preheat the broth, 3-5 times a day

Possible use medicinal herb in the form of an infusion. Then the steps are the same as when preparing a decoction, only:

Heat in a water bath for 15 minutes
cool at a temperature of 18-23 degrees – 45 minutes, only then strain and squeeze.

The infusion is prepared from filter bags as follows:

3-4 packets are poured with 100 ml of boiling water in an enamel or glass container
leave covered for 30 minutes
squeeze out the bags
Boiled water is added to a total volume of 100 ml.

According to the instructions, drink an infusion of bearberry leaves 1/3 cup 3-5 times a day half an hour before meals.

Use in the development of bladder inflammation

It is recommended to take the herb for cystitis according to a special recipe. To do this, it is advisable to collect the leaves and flowers of the plant yourself, dry it on fresh air, chop the leaves separately. Next, 1 part of the leaves is poured with 10 parts of boiling water, infused for about 45 minutes, and filtered. Take the infusion three times a day, 1 tablespoon.

What works against kidney stones

Tannins, flavonoids, arbutin, and organic acids have an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and disinfectant effect on the mucous membranes of the urinary tract. Bearberry also has diuretic properties. The therapy can be supplemented with half-half grass or herbal preparation phytolysin. A consultation with a urologist or nephrologist is required first.

For whom is the herb contraindicated?

Bearberry leaves are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Even if before this only she helped you get rid of cystitis, then during this period, if there are signs of this pathology, you can take the only drug - Canephron n.

Other contraindications to taking decoctions and infusions of bear ears:

individual intolerance
acute glomerulonephritis
renal failure
acute or exacerbation chronic disease digestive system
bearberry herb is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age
breastfeeding.

Patients' opinions

Here are some reviews about the drug.

“I took herbs bought at a pharmacy to treat urolithiasis. I brewed it as written in the instructions. I felt an improvement on the third day: although the pain did not go away, it became easier in the lumbar region. I didn’t take any other medications. The pain finally went away only by the end of the week.”

Each filter bag contains 1.5 grams of plant material bearberry leaves in powder form.

The leaves of the plant contain 8-25% ericolina (glycoside arbutin ), about 30% tannins of the pyrogall group, flavonoids ( isoquercitrine , quercetin , hyperoside , quercitrin , myricitrine And myricetin ), , hydroquinone in free form, essential oils and a number of acids ( , cinchona ). The leaves contain enough large number , essential amino acids and nitrogenous substances.

Release form

The powder is packaged in special filter bags. A cardboard pack contains 10, 20 sachets and instructions from pharmaceutical company. The packaging shows a photo of bearberry.

Pharmacological action

Bearberry leaves contain a number of organic acids and a set of flavonoids , however, the main thing therapeutic effect provided by the arbutin glucoside contained in the plant. After entering the human body, arbutin, as a result of hydrolysis, breaks down into hydroquinone (diatomic phenol) and glucose. Hydroquinone has antiseptic effect and provides diuretic , diuretic effect .

The most active process for the breakdown of arbutin is observed in the urinary tract (alkaline hydrolysis, contact with uric acid), therefore the main properties of bearberry leaves are used in the treatment of nephrological pathology ( pyelitis , nephritis , and other inflammatory processes in the bladder or renal system). The medicinal properties of bearberry leaves have also been used for diseases of other organs and systems (, etc.).

Bearberry decoction contains tannins, which digestive tract exhibit an astringent effect. Experiments on rats showed that the plant is also antihypoxant (the survival rate among animals increased under conditions).

Hydroquinone is able to increase the activity of redox processes. Under its influence, O-methyltransferase is blocked, which makes it possible to prolong the effect. Experimental studies have shown that hydroquinone has a positive effect on metabolism, the ability of tissue to absorb oxygen, and normalizes blood levels. , potassium and glucose in the blood, neutralizes diabetic ketoacidosis , and in a number shock states shows hypertensive effect .

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The manufacturer has not provided information on this section.

Indications, use of bearberry

The medicinal plant is used in the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract, renal system:

Contraindications

A decoction of bearberry leaves should not be used for the following conditions:

carrying a pregnancy;
with individual hypersensitivity;
breast-feeding;
Age limit – up to 12 years of age.

Side effects

Bearberry leaves at long-term use may cause dyspeptic reactions :

gagging, vomiting;
nausea ;

Possible exacerbation inflammatory process in the urinary tract.

Bearberry leaves, instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The medicinal plant is used in medicine in the form of a decoction or infusion 40 minutes after eating. Depending on the severity of the underlying disease, 45-75 ml per day is prescribed. Duration of therapy is 20-25 days. The course can be repeated after 10 days. You can take no more than 4 courses per year. It is recommended to shake the decoction and infusion thoroughly before ingestion. The prepared solution can be stored for 2 days in a cool place.

Preparation of the decoction: 1 filter bag is placed in special dishes(glass, enameled), pour boiled hot water in a volume of 200 ml and cover with a lid. Keep in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. After cooling, the solution is filtered and the plant material is squeezed out. The volume of the resulting solution is adjusted to 200 ml with boiled water. The infusion is prepared according to a similar scheme, only heating is carried out for 15 minutes, and cooling until squeezing and filtering is carried out for 45 minutes.

Overdose

The manufacturer has not provided data on this section.

Bearberry is a medicinal plant whose leaves are used in the treatment of the genitourinary system and other diseases. Folk healers have known about the benefits of this plant since the times Ancient Rus'. It is necessary to adhere to the instructions for use, otherwise you can harm the body, because reviews are often contradictory.

Useful properties

Bearberry is the name given to bearberry in unofficial medicine. In Russia, the culture grows in Siberia. The leaves contain mass useful components. Arbutin has a diuretic and antiseptic effect. Flavonoids affect pathogenic microorganisms. Ursolic acid affects inflammation, and gallic acid inhibits the growth of tumors. Tannins affect the gastrointestinal tract. Hydroquinone has a positive effect on the epidermis when bearberry is applied superficially.

As medicine use bearberry leaves

Decoctions and tinctures are used for cardiovascular and skin diseases. Diuretic properties eliminate swelling and help with diseases of the genitourinary system. In addition, the properties of the plant are used for the following diseases:

For inflammation of the ureter, the use is due to the presence of substances that are not fully absorbed by the body, and when they get into the urine they “work” as an antiseptic. Traditional healers use the plant for prostatitis, but one must understand that the decoction from the plant does not cure prostatitis itself, but acts on the kidneys. Therefore, bearberry is often used in mixtures with other plants. In any case, you need to make an appointment with a urologist and get tested.

Advice. Be careful when buying bearberry at the market. Under the guise of this plant, they can sell you lingonberry leaves - the plants look very similar.

Harm of bearberry

Of course, like everyone else medicinal plant, bearberry has contraindications.

Bearberry in nature

Cooking instructions

They harvest the bearvine themselves at the beginning of flowering, cutting the plant with a knife so as not to damage the root system, otherwise the plant will die. You can do this in the fall after the berries are ripe. Dry in a dryer and store in bags. You can also buy bearberry at the pharmacy.

IN medicinal purposes bearberry infusions, decoctions, and alcohol tinctures are made.

Bearberry infusions and decoctions are very easy to prepare

Infusion do this: a tablespoon dried leaves pour a glass of hot water, keep for a quarter of an hour in a water bath, then cool and filter through a strainer. Add a glass of boiled water to the resulting volume. The finished infusion is stored in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for no more than two days, then you need to make a new infusion. The amount of decoction and frequency of administration depends on the diagnosis.

Decoction They are made in the same way, only they are boiled in a water bath for 30 minutes. Use in the same dosages. For cooking alcohol tincture take 2 tablespoons of raw material per 100 ml of alcohol. Leave for two weeks and then strain. Take 15 drops three times a day before meals.

Advice. Bearberry contains vitamins and some minerals that strengthen the immune system.

You should not resort to using bearberry on your own without consulting your doctor if you are prescribed traditional treatment. Since not all herbs can be combined with tablets. Before consuming bearberry, you should consult a herbalist.

Need to know correct diagnosis. For example, leucorrhoea, vaginitis and other gynecological diseases can be treated by douching with a decoction of bearvine. But such symptoms are characteristic of other inflammations, as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, such therapy may not produce results.

Before using bearberry, consult your doctor.

The plant should be used with caution painful conditions kidney When a diuretic is needed, a decoction of bearvine is used, with acute course You can’t do this to your illness, as it will only get worse.

The situation with diarrhea is interesting. According to some sources, when food poisoning The use of bearberry is recommended, since the tanning components have an astringent effect. Some give the opposite information, saying that bearvine irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa and leads to new spasms. Using the decoction for an upset stomach can lead to dehydration.

In any case, you must adhere to the recommended doses and method of preparation, because everything is good in moderation.

Bearberry in folk medicine: video

Bearberry: photo

Traditional recipes have never been so close to modern medicine. In our century, they began to be used almost equally. Most plants have medicinal properties and are part of many medicines. One of these plants is bearberry, which is popular in the treatment of women's diseases and more.

Characteristics and main properties of bearberry

Bearberry is low evergreen shrub from the heather genus, which has very useful medicinal properties. People call it bear's ear because of the shape of the leaves, as well as bear berries, which ripen at the end of July and have a sweetish-fresh taste.

The plant is found in the Nordic countries, the Alps, the Balkans, and also in Siberia.

Uninformed people may confuse bearberry with lingonberry due to the similarity of their leaves and fruits. But what makes lingonberries different from bears ears is that they grow upward, while bearberry spreads along the ground. And below the lingonberry leaves have brown spots, and bearberry leaves are uniform and smaller.

The healing properties of bear ears have been used in medicine for quite a long time. Useful elements plants are best preserved dry. The main thing is to follow the storage rules. When collecting bearberry branches, do not pick them at random; it is better to carefully cut them with garden shears or a knife. All parts of the bush have beneficial properties: leaves, berries and even flowers.

Bearberry leaves are quite rich in chemical composition:

All the listed properties of this amazing plant make it possible to use it as a medicine against various diseases.

Bearberry: medicinal properties and contraindications

The plant has such wide range medicinal properties, which have long been rooted and used in folk medicine.

Healing qualities of bear ears cannot be underestimated, they act as:

Bearberry leaves they bring out well toxic substances , it’s not for nothing that it is added to diuretic teas. Very often, decoctions of this plant are taken for cystitis and urethritis, as well as pyelonephritis, uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea and even from sexually transmitted diseases.

Bear ears render positive impact for neuroses and helps improve metabolism. With the help of the beneficial properties of this shrub, diathesis and even festering wounds can be cured.

But given all the benefits of this plant, it is recommended to use it strictly according to indications. And just like everyone else medicinal substances bearberry has a number of contraindications:

children under 12 years of age;
pregnancy (especially the first and last trimesters, as it can provoke miscarriage or premature labor pains);
breastfeeding (as it is absorbed into milk and can reduce lactation);
acute kidney disease (can provoke an increase in inflammation in urinary canal and in the kidneys themselves);
problems with bowel movements when constipated (the plant is therefore astringent, which can create even more problems);
allergic reactions to herbal preparations.

Use of bearberry in gynecology

Our gynecologists have long known that infusions and decoctions of this miracle plant help cope with with female genital diseases. For example, there are many miraculous recipes that will help with diseases such as thrush, cystitis, uterine hypertonicity, gonorrhea and uterine bleeding.

Bearberry tincture for cystitis

To prepare the tincture, take 2 teaspoons of dry leaves and add 0.5 liters of boiled water. Let it brew for about two days, preferably in the dark. Then strain and drink a quarter glass after each meal, preferably 3 times a day and warm. You can take this decoction for no more than 7–10 days, depending on the nature of cystitis.

Collection of leaves for cystitis

For this collection you will need: bearberry leaves - 25 grams, finely chopped parsley - 6 grams, hernia grass - 20 grams, celandine leaves and flowers - 7 grams. Mix all the ingredients and pour 400 ml of boiling water. Leave for 45 minutes and strain. You need to drink this mixture 3 times a day, 30-40 ml before or after meals, for a week.

During the treatment of cystitis, these decoctions have a restorative and cleansing effect on the bladder and kidneys.

Syringes for thrush

Possessing antibacterial effects, these bear berries help fight with fungal and even venereal diseases female organs. For example, when thrush or gonorrhea appears.

To prepare the solution, take one teaspoon of bearberry leaves and pour hot boiled water- 150 ml. Leave for an hour, then strain through cheesecloth. You can douche twice a day, morning and evening, after taking a shower.

Baths for uterine bleeding

Take 90 grams of dry bearberry leaves and add two glasses of water. Place on the fire and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. We wait until the broth cools down to strain. Now you can use it by adding it to your bath and sitting in it for at least 20 minutes every evening until complete recovery. Such home procedure helps relieve inflammation, disinfects and prevents uterine bleeding.

Bearberry leaves during pregnancy use is not recommended. Even though decoctions from these leaves are an excellent diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent, you are at risk when carrying a child. negative influence to the uterus and placenta. One of the side effects of using infusions and decoctions of this plant for pregnant women is uterine contraction. In turn, this may cause premature birth or miscarriage. This is even written about in the instructions on the packaging of the finished collection of dry bearberry.

But if you are still inclined to traditional methods treatment of cystitis or pyelonephritis while carrying a child, be sure to consult your gynecologist. He will advise you on how and in what doses you need to use this remedy, taking into account the characteristics of your body.

Use of the plant for men

This medicinal plant helps and in case of problems with men's health . For example, with the help of this remedy you can fight prostatitis. When treating this disease, bearberry affects the male prostate in the same way as in the case of cystitis. Removes inflammation and acts as an antiseptic, killing pathogenic infections.

Alcohol infusion of bearberry: use for prostatitis

To prepare, pour 2 tablespoons of bearberry leaves 40% ethyl alcohol(or vodka) in the amount of 100 ml. Store the prepared infusion in a dark place for two weeks. Then we filter and can be taken by dropping 18 drops into a glass of water or tea after meals three times a day.

Infusion of leaves (without alcohol)

Take 25 grams of dry bearberry leaves per glass of boiling water. Set aside the solution in a warm place and next day we use 3 spoons after meals, at least 3 times a day. The shelf life of the tincture for prostatitis is 2 days. This method of preparation better preserves the medicinal properties of bear ears than when making a decoction.

Use of bearberry for other diseases

Traditional medicine uses bearberry leaves not only for pathologies of the genital organs in men and women. This plant is used to treat general diseases, such as intestinal giardiasis, neurosis, hemorrhoids, alcohol addiction, pyelonephritis and other kidney diseases.

Tea for pyelonephritis

The plant is also brewed to treat kidneys, for example, for pyelonephritis. The decoction helps remove urine, relieving inflammation and getting rid of infections in genitourinary tract. Brew 1 teaspoon of dry leaves for one mug and drink three times a day as tea.

Herbal mixture for nephrolithiasis

To get rid of kidney stones, you need to make the following mixture: mix 2 parts of bearberry, plantain leaves and rose hips with 1 part of hops, birch buds, blackcurrant leaves, rosehip leaves and lavender. Mix in three parts of nettle and five parts of horsetail. Use the resulting collection as a decoction: for two tablespoons of the mixture - 1.5 liters of hot water. Keep covered for 30 minutes and drink the entire prepared broth throughout the day.

Decoction for baths for hemorrhoids

Add 50 grams of dried bear ears per liter of boiling water. Cook for steam bath within 5 minutes. Drain through cheesecloth and add half a liter warm water. Baths based on this decoction are taken both hot and cold. cold water, depending on the desired effect. For example, when hot water inflammation is relieved, and when cold, bleeding from the rectum stops.