home Folk remedies Bearberry - medicinal properties and contraindications of bear ears. How to drink bearberry: instructions for use

Bearberry - medicinal properties and contraindications of bear ears. How to drink bearberry: instructions for use

Today, traditional healing methods are used less and less to treat various diseases. However, despite this, one should understand where modern pharmacological agents and why botanicals have been a major therapeutic tool for thousands of years. The fact is that many plants contain a large number of useful substances for the body, which have a healing effect. In this regard, it is unacceptable to pass by such wonderful plant, like bearberry.

Medicinal composition of bearberry

Bearberry is an evergreen shrub that pleases the eye with its flowering in the spring, and in the fall bright berries, and has enormous healing potential. This plant also has another name - bear ears or wolfberry, other names of the shrub are also known, but they are rare. The beneficial properties of bearberry are determined by its rich chemical composition, which should be given attention when describing a specific plant.

For cooking medicinal products They use the leaves of the plant, which contain a whole “pharmacy”. Among component composition Bearberry present:

Useful properties of bear ears herb

As already noted, wolfberry has enormous healing potential, since this plant has beneficial features, which are reflected in therapy. The main quality of bearberry that you need to pay attention to is the diuretic effect of the product. It is because of this that bearberry is sold in pharmacies in tablets as one of the most effective and safe diuretics.

We should not forget that this plant contains flavonoids, which have antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral effect. This makes it possible to use a specific product not only in medicinal purposes, but also as an effective prophylactic agent for both external and internal use.

Bear ears cope excellently with inflammatory foci, blocking the spread of the process and reducing its severity. Also, products based on shrub leaves help to significantly reduce tumor diseases. The plant is effective medicine, the action of which is aimed at increasing the productivity of cough during colds, strengthening the immune system and general rejuvenation of the body, which also affects physical condition the patient, and on his appearance.

What the herb treats: indications for use

The leaves of the bush called bear's ear can be used for medicinal purposes for a number of diseases. This particular medicinal instrument has gained great popularity due to the fact that it has a general healing effect, being a universal drug. Most often, this plant is used to treat inflammatory processes that occur in the kidneys and bladder. And if you take into account the diuretic properties of bearberry leaves, then they can be used to combat urolithiasis.

The use of bear ears is also relevant for a number of gynecological problems, including thrush. To treat a specific group of ailments, douching with a decoction of the leaves of the described plant is performed. Often, with the help of bearberry-based infusions, a variety of dermatological problems are treated, including acne, ulcerative lesions, diathesis dermatitis, etc.

Bearberry successfully treats inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, and work disorders digestive tract And pathological changes in the work of these bodies. Special attention attention should be paid to the fact that bearberry helps with exacerbations of gastritis and other chronic conditions causing cramping pain. Also, the described remedy normalizes metabolic processes, as a result of which it can be used for weight loss.

Traditional recipes and instructions for use

Not everyone knows how to properly prepare bear ears and create them based on them. medicines, as well as how to drink bearberry decoction, which may cause problems with the use of this medicinal product. It is important to understand that to combat various ailments, completely different types of recipes can be used, which are described in more detail below.

How to brew herbs and drink with cystitis

To combat cystitis you can prepare effective decoction based on bearberry in combination with other plant components. To prepare effective remedy, you will need to take ten grams of bearberry and hernia leaves and mix them with celandine and parsley, of which five grams each will be enough. All components must be thoroughly ground, and then pour a glass of boiling water. After an hour, the medicine can be used for therapeutic purposes, provided that it should be drunk three times a day, a quarter of a glass, half an hour after meals.

Use for kidney treatment

An infusion steeped on the leaves of the wolfberry bush is suitable for the treatment of various kidney ailments. To prepare the product you will need ten grams of dried bearberry leaves pour into two glasses cool water. Next, the resulting mixture should be left in a dark place for 12 hours, after which the product will need to be put on low heat to warm up for five minutes, but without bringing to a boil. Having finished cooking the medicine, you need to strain the finished product and take thirty grams daily after meals three times a day.

Use for swelling of the legs

In order to get rid of swelling of the legs, you can use a decoction of bearberry, which is easy to prepare and helps quick deliverance from the problem. To prepare a decoction at home, you will need to pour three tablespoons of bearberry into a saucepan, which are filled with half a liter of running water. Next, the container with the future medicine is sent over low heat, where it is brought to a boil. Then cover the pan with a lid and simmer the product for a quarter of an hour, then remove the broth from the heat and let it cool without removing the lid. Drink a decongestant twice a day with meals.

For prostatitis

To get rid of prostatitis, men are recommended to take alcohol infusion bearberry, which will allow you to quickly deal with acute course diseases, removing inflammation and painful sensations. In order to prepare the product, you need to pour 40 grams of bear ears leaves into a container, and then pour a glass of vodka over them. This mixture it must be placed in a dark place for two weeks so that the product can infuse properly. After half a month, the infusion needs to be filtered, and then you can begin treatment, taking 15 drops twice a day after meals. finished product, diluted in a glass of water.

Harm and side effects from using the herb

Despite its diuretic properties, which are so important during pregnancy, bearberry irritates the muscles of the uterus, which can provoke premature termination of pregnancy. Also use of this product in nursing mothers it can cause a lack of milk - sometimes this can be used intentionally, but, in fact, there is harm from using bear ears.

The plant has a pronounced astringent effect on the intestines, which can lead to serious constipation. On the contrary, the leaves of the plant irritate the gastric mucosa, which can cause pain, nausea and vomiting. The use of the plant should be moderate and reasonable, otherwise negative consequences for the body cannot be avoided.

Contraindications to treatment with the plant

You will have to refuse therapy using the plant in question in the following situations:

during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
inflammatory diseases of the stomach in the acute stage;
acute kidney and intestinal diseases;
constipation;
food poisoning;
age up to 12 years;
frequent seizures.

Video about the medicinal properties of bearberry

The specific video material is general educational, revealing the essence, composition and main properties of a plant such as bearberry. The author explains how and at what time of the year a particular plant should be harvested, and also gives recommendations regarding the preparation of medicines based on the leaves of bear's ears.

Thanks to your healing properties bear ears - a herb for cystitis, which is considered one of the most effective folk remedies. This unique plant used in the treatment of pathologies urinary tract several centuries ago. The effectiveness of the product has been confirmed by many clinical studies, which allows it to be successfully used in modern medicine.

Bear's ears is the common name for the plant, which comes from the ear-shaped shape of the leaves. The second name of the plant is bearberry, which is used in official medicine and pharmacology. Bear's ears are an evergreen medicinal plant from the heather family. It grows mainly in northern latitudes, has long stems spreading along the ground, and small red berries similar to lingonberries. In medicine it is used for diseases of the bladder and kidneys as a disinfectant.

Plant properties

The leaves of the plant are used in the composition of medicines, which contain a huge amount of useful substances: organic acids, tannins, essential oils, vitamins and microelements. Tinctures, decoctions, compresses and lotions are made from them. Bear's ear leaves have diuretic and disinfectant properties. By acting on the urinary tract, the plant destroys pathogenic microbes and bacteria. Thanks to its diuretic effect, it effectively relieves inflammation due to more intense urine excretion.

Of all the pathologies genitourinary system bear ears are most effective in treating and. In some countries, the plant is officially recognized as the most effective means against inflammation in the pelvic organs and is used in official medicine.

Except positive impact on urinary organs, bearberry has many other properties:

has a rich chemical composition;
possessing antimicrobial effect, affects urine as an antiseptic, destroys pathogenic bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics;
due to the presence of tanning components, it destroys fungal flora and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
ensures tissue resistance in conditions of lack of oxygen and dehydration of the body;
may increase blood pressure;
the substance hydroquinone contained in bearberry leaves promotes the absorption of glucose and prevents complications of diabetes;
tannins have an astringent effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive system.

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Impact on the body

Bearberry grass contains high concentration arbutin (essential extract), which helps reduce urine acidity. This is very important for cystitis, since bacteria multiply faster in too acidic urine, which leads to an increase in the inflammatory process.

The leaves of the plant have strong antimicrobial and diuretic properties, due to which urine is purified and removed from the body more intensively. In combination with other medicinal plants, bear's ears have an analgesic effect, so they are often used for exacerbation of cystitis, prostatitis and other diseases.

Bearberry decoctions have general strengthening effect and are taken in combination to enhance protective functions. Thanks to its bactericidal properties, the product perfectly heals wounds and ulcers and is very effective as compresses and lotions. The herb has a positive effect on nervous system, therefore recommended for stress and insomnia.

It should be remembered that bear ears in the treatment of cystitis are not the main thing, but auxiliary, and must be present in the complex to enhance therapeutic effect. IN acute phase disease, the remedy should be combined with other anti-inflammatory drugs, and possibly with antibiotics.

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Traditional herbal recipes

Bearberry for cystitis was used by our great-grandmothers. Since then there have been many modern drugs for the treatment of bladder inflammation, but bear's ear herb is still considered the most effective. The following products are prepared based on the plant:

A decoction for cystitis. This is the simplest recipe: one spoon dried leaves pour 200 ml of water and boil for 15 minutes, then infuse and take 100 ml three times a day.
Iced tea: 2 tsp. Pour 250 ml of boiled chilled water over the plants, leave for 24 hours, stir occasionally. Warm slightly before use. Divide into two doses.
A mixture of herbs. Take 1 tsp of dried celandine and parsley herbs. hernia and bearberry - 2 tbsp. l. Pour the mixture with one glass of boiling water and leave for an hour. Take a third of a glass three times a day.
Tincture. A tablespoon of dry herb is poured into 100 ml of vodka and left for two weeks. Take one spoon three times a day. The course is one month.
Tea for cystitis. Dry herbs of St. John's wort, bearberry, plantain and rose hips are mixed in equal quantities. Pour two tablespoons of the mixture into a glass of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes, then let it brew. Divided into three parts. At chronic cystitis It is recommended to carry out the course every six months.
A decoction of bearberry and corn silk. Mix the ingredients in equal quantities, 1 tbsp. l. pour 200 ml of water into the mixture and boil for 15 minutes. Take the cooled broth several times during the day. Quickly relieves inflammation, recommended for the acute phase of cystitis.

Medicinal herbs and plants - Bearberry, Bear's ears: description, medicinal properties, preparation, application, folk recipes, contraindications and precautions, recommendations.

Description.

BEARBERRY

Bearberry, Bear's Ears is an evergreen shrub of the heather family (Ericaceae). The stems are creeping, highly branched, with yellow bark, reaching 1.5 m in length. Young branches are green or greenish-brown, finely pubescent, old sterile branches are recumbent, with reddish-brown bark that peels off easily. The leaves are alternate, small, thick, leathery, oblong-obovate, rounded entire at the apex, dark green above, shiny, wrinkled with depressed veins, lighter below. Leaves live for 2 years, dying off at the end of the 3rd year. Flowers on short stalks, pale pink, collected 2-10 in terminal drooping racemes. The fruit is a spherical, red, mealy, fresh-sweet drupe with 5 seeds. It blooms in May - June, the fruits ripen in July - August. It reproduces mainly vegetatively, although seed reproduction is also possible (mainly in burnt areas and cutting areas). Distributed in the European part of the CIS (with the exception of Crimea, the Lower Don and Volga), in Western and Eastern Siberia and the Far East. Grows on dry and fresh sandy soils in light pine forests and clearings. Prefers open, well-lit places and does not tolerate competition from other plants.

Preparation.

For medicinal purposes, bearberry leaves and shoots are used, which are harvested in the spring (before flowering) and autumn (after the fruits ripen). When harvesting in summer period The plant rapidly grows shoots of the current year and young leaves, which turn black when dried, which makes the raw material non-standard. The leafy part of bearberry branches up to 3 cm long is cut with scissors, pruning shears or a knife. Repeated harvesting can be carried out in one place after 3 years. When all above-ground, non-coarsened shoots are harvested, the restoration of the thickets is slow, so re-harvesting is possible only after 5-6 years. It is impossible to pull out the entire plant with its roots, as this leads to the destruction of the thickets, which are almost impossible to restore. According to eyewitnesses in places where bearberry leaves were harvested in this way in 1942 - 1945, its thickets have not yet been restored. They are dried in attics, under sheds, laid out loosely, or in dryers at a temperature of 60-90°C. After drying, the leaves are torn off or the branches are threshed, and the stems are discarded. The shelf life of raw materials is 5 years. The raw material has no odor, the taste is strongly astringent and bitter. The main procurement areas are Belarus, Kalinin and Leningrad region Russia.

When collecting bearberry, you need to be careful, since this plant is similar to the common lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), but it has elliptical, curved downwards, dark green above, matte leaves below with brown dotted glands and juicy multi-seeded berries.

Medicinal properties.

The plant has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The antiseptic effect is due to hydroquinone, formed in the body during the hydrolysis of arbutin and excreted in the urine. The urine turns green or dark green. The diuretic effect of plant preparations is also associated with hydroquinone. Tannins contained in bearberry decoction have astringent action on the gastrointestinal tract.

Application.

Aboveground part. Infusions and decoctions - diuretic for nutritional and cardiac edema; antiseptic for diseases of the urinary tract and bladder; bactericidal.
Leaves. Galenic preparations and arbutin - antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant and diuretic; for pyelitis, cystitis, urethritis. Included in diuretic teas. Dry extract in powder form - for cystitis and pyelocystitis. IN Tibetan medicine powder - for Graves' disease, heartburn and gastritis. IN folk medicine decoctions of crushed leaves - for diseases of the urinary tract, chronic nephritis and nephrosis, chronic urethritis, cystitis, catarrh of the bladder, leucorrhoea, venereal diseases, with renal and uterine bleeding, urolithiasis, pyelitis and pyelocystitis, with metabolic disorders and nervous disorders. Decoctions in the form of douching - for leucorrhoea, gonorrhea, as a means for contracting the myometrium, as an antiseptic. Decoctions and infusions - for ascites, alimentary edema and edema observed in tuberculosis, diabetes, heart failure. Decoctions and powder - as an astringent for digestive disorders and chronic colitis; externally in the form of baths and washes - for diathesis and purulent wounds. Tinctures - for diseases of the nervous system, alcoholism, wet dreams; as a means of normalizing sleep; as a therapeutic and pain reliever for articular rheumatism, gout, and malignant tumors. In homeopathy, the tincture is used for urolithiasis.
Flowers. Used for heart disease, pemphigus; in Lithuania - for conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Fruit. Decoctions of crushed fruits in milk are drunk for gastritis and diarrhea, especially in children (kisel).

Folk recipes.

Infusion of bearberry leaf: 10 g (1 tablespoon) of raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water, heated in boiling water (in a water bath) for 15 minutes, cooled at room temperature for 45 minutes, filtered, the remaining raw material is squeezed out . The volume of the resulting infusion is adjusted boiled water up to 200 ml. The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 1/3-1/2 cup 3-5 times a day 40 minutes after meals.

Decoction of bearberry leaf: 10 g (1 tablespoon) of raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water and heated in boiling water (in a water bath) for 30 minutes, cooled at room temperature for 10 minutes, filtered, the remaining raw material is squeezed out . The volume of the resulting decoction is adjusted to 200 ml with boiled water. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 1 tablespoon 3-5 times a day 40 minutes after meals. A decoction for children is prepared at the rate of 1 teaspoon of raw materials per 200 ml of boiling water. It is better to consult your doctor about doses, as he can take into account the age, weight of the child, his general state and severity of the disease.

Preparation of infusion: pour 1-2 teaspoons of leaves into a glass cold water and, stirring occasionally, let it brew for 12-24 hours, then strain. Take half a glass warm 3-4 times a day as a diuretic.

Preparation of the decoction: 1 tbsp. l. bearberry leaves are poured into a glass of water, boiled for 15-20 minutes, left for 45 minutes, filtered and brought to the original volume. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3-5 times a day as a fixative.

The tincture is made at the rate of 20 g of raw material per 100 ml of 40% alcohol. Infuse in a warm place for 15 days and filter. Take 10-15 drops 3 times a day after meals. The tincture is used for diseases of the nervous system, alcoholism, as an analgesic for articular rheumatism and gout.

Contraindications and precautions.

Pregnancy. With glomerulonephritis, it can irritate the renal parenchyma. Sometimes bearberry causes idiosyncrasy with urticaria. If the dose is exceeded, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
Bearberry should not be prescribed for acute diseases kidneys because it irritates kidney tissue. However, it can be used as part of preparations where the concentration of arbutin is insignificant and the effect of biologically active substances is enhanced. Upon admission large doses Possible vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and others side effects. Some authors do not recommend using the leaves in decoction form, as it irritates the mucous membrane gastrointestinal tract.
Treatment of children under two years of age by any means plant origin poses a potential danger.

There are contraindications. Self-medication is contraindicated. Before using any prescription, consult your doctor for advice and permission to use.

The medicinal properties of bearberry were discovered by northern peoples. But only at the beginning of the last century the herb began to be used in scientific medicine and pharmacology. Bearberry has long been considered diuretic herb. And today this is the main thing therapeutic effect. The diuretic properties of the herb have been confirmed scientific medicine. But others are also open pharmacological properties- antiseptic, sedative, antispasmodic, hemostatic, anticarcinogenic and others.

Features of the medicinal plant bearberry

What are the beneficial properties and contraindications of bearberry? What does the grass look like, where does it grow and how to collect it?

Botanical description

Common bearberry. Botanical illustration from the book “Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen”, 1887.

Bearberry grass, or bear's ear, is a perennial, evergreen subshrub. Maximum height is 50 cm. Its characteristic feature- shoots creeping along the ground from 1 to 2 meters long. The leaves are small, ovate; flowers are pink, collected in clusters at the top of the stem; the fruits are spherical mealy drupes of red color, unpleasant to the taste. The shrub blooms in May and bears fruit from July to September. It depends on the climate zone.

Area

Bear's ear grass is adapted to cold (arctic and subarctic) climates. Found everywhere in Siberia and the Far East. This is a northern berry, like lingonberries, cloudberries, blueberries, and cranberries. Unlike other berries, the plant is a rare shrub. Loves sandy, rocky soil, open spaces where there is a lot of light. Can grow in the mountains. It takes root well in lichen tundra and dry clearings. In pine forests it can be seen on sandy mounds. Found in Northern Europe, Northern and Central America. Less commonly, the shrub can be seen in the forest zone of the European part of Russia, in the territory of Polesie.

Blank

In folk and traditional medicine Bearberry leaves are usually used. How to prepare them?

Collection time and conditions. It is recommended to collect leaves before flowering begins. You cannot pull out the entire bush or completely cut off the shoots on it, otherwise the plant will die. You can cut several shoots from one bush. It is also important not to damage the flowers when picking. You can also harvest leaves in the fall, before frost sets in.
Drying. IN natural conditions drying can last up to 3 weeks. The plucked leaves do not wither for a long time. The grass is laid out in a thin layer, turned, and dried in a dry, ventilated room. The finished raw material should look like tea.
Storage . The raw materials are transferred to linen bags and protected from dampness. Shelf life - 5 years.

Bearberry berries are not considered poisonous; they also contain many useful substances - fiber, organic acids, vitamins and microelements. However, their taste is astringent and fibrous. Even among northern peoples it is not suitable for food in fresh. It is used to prepare medicinal jelly and compotes. Sometimes an inexperienced berry grower can confuse a berry with a lingonberry. appearance. But the taste of these berries is very different. Why did the shrub get the popular name “bear ears”? Possibly due to the shape of the leaves. But an even more probable origin is that bears love to feast on the berries.

Healing effect

What is in the chemical composition of leaves?

Glycosides. Arbutin and methylarbutin have a pronounced antiseptic effect, especially in the organs of the urinary system.
Organic acids. Cinchona, formic, gallic, ursolic and others. Have a beneficial effect on digestion and support acid-base balance, metabolism, expand venous vessels, stimulate the work of the heart muscle. For example, gallic acid has an antiviral and fungicidal effect.
Tannins of the pyrogall group. They provide bactericidal and astringent properties. These are biologically active substances form a protective film on mucous membranes, relieve inflammation.
Bioflavonoids, or vitamin P. Most of the compounds found were quercetin, quercitrin, myricitrin, and hyperoside. They influence the process of formation and excretion of urine, stimulate the function of the adrenal glands, normalize blood pressure, have anti-carcinogenic properties, prevent the growth of tumor cells. In combination with vitamin C, it increases the strength of blood vessels and strengthens their walls.

Also present in the composition are: large quantities minerals and vitamins, some essential oil.

Pharmachologic effect:

Indications

For what symptoms and diagnoses does the use of bearberry provide a therapeutic effect?

What are the contraindications of bearberry? Individual intolerance and allergy to grass. Cannot be taken with chronic constipation, exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system. IN official instructions It is indicated that bearberry is prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. Tannins, when taken for a long time and uncontrolled, can cause side effects- nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Application and preparation at home

What is the use of bearberry herb in folk medicine? What medicines can you prepare from the leaves yourself? What can you buy at the pharmacy?

Pharmacy drugs

Ground plant materials. Dried bearberry leaves for preparing decoctions, tinctures and infusions. There are packages of 50, 75, 100 g. You can purchase the grass in the form of filter bags. In addition, bearberry leaf is often included in diuretic herbal preparations.
Tincture. The main purpose is diseases of the urinary system. The instructions for use also indicate that the product helps with rheumatism, gout, and cancer. It can also be taken for colds and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Uriflorin tablets. Basics active substance- dry extract of bearberry leaf. Meet others commercial names this medicine. This is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic agent. You can drink it for a long time - up to 1 month. Prescribed in complex therapy kidney and bladder infections.

Decoction

How to prepare a decoction of bearberry in order to preserve its medicinal properties as much as possible?

Preparation

Take 1 tbsp. l. raw materials.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Place it on water bath for 15 minutes.
Leave for 40 minutes.
Strain.

This decoction is taken 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day after meals. It is useful to drink for chronic cystitis, for the prevention of exacerbations of the urinary system, kidney stones, and urolithiasis. In addition to the leaves, a decoction and infusion can be prepared from bearberry flowers. Most often it is used externally to treat inflammation of the eyes and heart failure.

Infusion

Herbalists describe several recipes for preparing an infusion using cold and hot methods. Previously, it was believed that the leaves needed to be boiled for a long time in order to obtain an extract of beneficial substances. However, this removes most of the tannins, which cause side effects and give a strong astringent taste. In modern herbal medicine, it is recommended to prepare a cold infusion, with less extraction of tannins. Such infusions are safer for children.

Preparation of cold infusion

Take 1 tbsp. l. dry raw materials.
Pour a glass of cold boiled water.
Leave for 12 to 24 hours.
Strain.

Take warm, 1/3 cup 3 times a day. It is useful to drink for pyelonephritis, cystitis and other inflammations of the genitourinary area. Well relieves acute forms of inflammation during hypothermia. For getting therapeutic effect recommend alkaline diet or adding soda to decoctions and infusions - ¼ teaspoon each. The release of hydroquinone in the body is possible only with an alkaline reaction.

Preparation of a diuretic collection

Take 10 g each of bearberry leaf, birch buds, licorice root and horsetail.
Add 20 g each of lingonberry leaves, nettles and flax seeds.
Mix herbs and take 1 tbsp. collection spoon.
Pour a glass of boiling water.
Leave for 1 hour.

Strain before use. Drink 50 ml twice a day.

Tincture

According to reviews, alcohol tincture, like cold infusion, is especially useful for prostatitis.

Preparation

Take 1 part of dry raw materials.
Pour in 5 parts of vodka (40% alcohol).
Leave for 2 weeks at room temperature.
Strain.

Drink 10–15 drops 3 times a day. The product also helps with urinary incontinence, relieves irritability, and normalizes sleep.

Powder

You can make a powder from dry herbs by grinding the leaves in a coffee grinder. It can be used orally with water for all of the above diagnoses. Dosage - 1 g 2 times a day. But most often the powder is used externally - to treat wounds, non-healing ulcers, and skin rashes. You can use it dry or make lotions from it.

It is important to know that any bearberry medications can turn your urine greenish. The herb also causes an increased urge to urinate, which is quite normal with a diuretic effect.

Cosmetology

Arbutin contained in bearberry has a pronounced whitening property. Therefore, it is used in cosmetology to whiten facial skin, eliminate freckles, age spots. You can make masks from the herb; leaf extracts are also added to cosmetical tools- creams, serums, lotions and masks. May irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction with prolonged use. In women with dark pigmentation, the product may give a bluish tint to the skin. It's a question of safety herbal remedy remains open.

Some researchers believe that excess arbutin may lead to malignant tumors. But compared to the synthetic analogue hydroquinone, arbutin in bearberry is much safer.

More information about use during pregnancy

Despite the fact that the instructions give a clear contraindication - pregnancy and lactation, the herb is still prescribed to pregnant women. What is important to know?

Indications for bear ears during pregnancy. First of all, this remedy is prescribed during pregnancy for edema in the last trimester. Women of the older generation remember that before, bears ears were often prescribed during pregnancy, and nowhere on the drugs was written about the harm and danger of the herb. Today this warning appears on all bearberry medicines. Doctors say that pharmaceutical companies they play it safe because there is still a threat.
Strict contraindications. The grass is especially dangerous early stages, since it has abortifacient properties, it tones the smooth muscles of the uterus and can lead to miscarriage. It is not prescribed in the first trimester.
Lactation period. When breastfeeding, the grass can lead to decreased lactation. Therefore, it is contraindicated if the woman is not ready to stop breastfeeding. And, conversely, the herb will help reduce lactation at the final stage breastfeeding.

Self-use of bearberry leaves during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. All questions about dosage and course must be resolved with a gynecologist.

Bearberry is a natural diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Decoctions, hot and cold infusions are prepared from it, alcohol tincture, powder. Because of side effect tannins and a number of contraindications, the herb is used only as prescribed by a doctor.

The medicinal properties of bearberry, which people have long called bear's ears, are used not only in folk medicine, but also in traditional medicine. This plant is used for a number of diseases, and it acts very gently and at the same time effectively.

Description

The young plant looks like grass. However, in fact, bear's ears are an evergreen branched perennial shrub, the height of which can reach up to 130 cm. Its shoots are long and leafy. Young branches have a greenish-brown color, while old ones acquire a reddish tint over time.

The leaves are oblong-ovate, 12 to 26 mm long and 4-9 mm wide. On top they are leathery, glossy and dark green in color. Pale pink, five-toothed flowers form terminal, drooping racemes. The berry is spherical with a diameter of 6-8 mm, inedible. The plant blooms in May, and the fruits form from July to September.

Many people confuse lingonberries and bear ears. They are indeed very similar, but they have a few differences. If you look closely, you will notice that the lingonberry leaf is curved downwards and covered with small black dots, while the bearberry leaf is flat and a dense network of slightly depressed veins is clearly visible on it.

Chemical composition and applications

In bear's ear grass, the greatest value is its leaves. They are collected, dried and various tinctures, decoctions, lotions, etc. are prepared from them. This plant is quite widely used in pharmacology, since its composition is rich in the following extremely useful components:

ascorbic and organic acids;
microelements and resins;
tanning and coloring components;
hydroquinone and arbutin glycoside;
mineral salts and flavonoids.

Thanks to his chemical composition this shrub can restore health. All of the above components have wound healing, diuretic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

What is it used for?

The use of bear's ear herb is effective in the treatment of colds and coughs; it is not without reason that it is included in most products sold in pharmacies breast fees. Even products that are used for treatment are made from this plant. bronchial asthma. The herb is indispensable during the treatment of cholelithiasis, and is also used to prevent and get rid of infections that can be sexually transmitted. A decoction made from this plant and used in the form of lotions is good for healing ulcers, wounds and ulcers.

The medicinal properties of this herb are also used in Tibetan medicine. Various infusions and decoctions are made from it. Tibetan healers advise using them for people suffering Graves' disease, gonorrhea, sinusitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Ointments made from the herb help in the treatment of gout and aching joints.

As you can see, this plant helps in the treatment of many diseases, but before you start using it, you need to consult your doctor. It has long been known that any medicine can cause serious and even irreparable harm human health if used incorrectly.

Contraindications

The use of bear ears also has its limitations. Before starting treatment, you need to carefully study all contraindications. Preparations based on this herb should not be used:

At various diseases stomach. The use of the plant often causes nausea and diarrhea.
During pregnancy. This plant, which has a diuretic effect, can cause pressure on the muscles of the uterus, which will lead to termination of pregnancy or premature birth.
For kidney diseases and especially for acute forms their currents.
While breastfeeding. The leaves of the plant contain a significant amount of tannins that can cause colic and constipation in babies.
At allergic reactions for this plant.
Children under 12 years of age.

Grass collection

Many people wonder where they can find bear ears, because this herb is quite rare. In nature, it can grow either as separate bushes or merging into one fluffy carpet, which can extend over several hectares. The plant prefers well-lit, open and warm areas with sandy soil. Its growths can also be found among stones and in the forest. Leaves should be collected in dry weather and before there is frost. Otherwise, the raw materials may deteriorate during drying.

The leaves of the plant are collected only after fruiting has ended, since the top of the shoot needs to be taken. Under no circumstances should you pull up grass by its roots. The shoots should be carefully cut off with scissors, then next year lateral shoots will appear in their place, and the bush will become even denser and more luxuriant. We must not forget that you cannot cut off all the shoots on a plant at once, otherwise it may die. It is allowed to remove a maximum of 20-25% of their total amount at a time. The same rule applies to the preparation of bearberry flowers.

Drying and storage

The collected leaves must be immediately distributed in an even layer on some flat surface, and then covered with gauze to prevent the entry of various insects. It is best to dry bear's ear grass outdoors under cover. This way it will be constantly wrapped in the wind and will not get wet when it rains. The collection can also be dried in a well-ventilated area or in the attic of the house. Plant flowers are also prepared for storage in the same way.

Usually, in dry and sunny weather, this takes no more than two or three weeks. The finished collection is poured into fabric bags and stored in a dark, dry place. Due to the fact that the plant contains a significant amount of glycosides, already dried leaves are not threatened by insects. Before preparing infusions, teas or decoctions, dry leaves are removed from the branches. In this case, the raw materials should not have any odor.

Bear ears: cooking instructions

As mentioned above, this plant helps with many diseases, significantly alleviating the condition of patients. Preparing folk remedies is a simple process, so potions can be made at home. Below in the article are some of the simplest recipes.

For a general strengthening infusion you will need 10 g of leaves and 200 ml hot water. The raw materials are placed in an enamel bowl, poured with boiling water and covered with a lid. After 15 minutes, the infusion is cooled, filtered, and the sediment is squeezed out. Add boiled water to the resulting liquid until the glass is full. The infusion can be stored for 24 hours in a dark and cool place. It is recommended to take it 30-40 minutes after meals, 1/2 cup no more than 5 times a day.

The recipe for bear ears, which helps with rheumatism, is also very simple. To do this, take one tablespoon of raw material, pour a glass of cold water and leave for 10 hours. You can do this at night, and in the morning boil it for 5 minutes and let it brew for half an hour. Strain and drink 1 tbsp. l. no more than six times a day and only 3 hours after meals.