Little sour healer: bearberry, its beneficial properties and methods of application. Proper use of the plant

Bearberry is a common plant that is very often used in both folk and official medicine. An evergreen shrub in the spring is covered with delicate pink flowers, from which fruits are born. By autumn, the plant is covered with red berries, similar to lingonberries.

Bearberry ordinary: description

This evergreen shrub belongs to the heather family. The stem grows up to one and a half meters, strongly branches and spreads low along the ground, taking root in places. The leaves are dense, leathery with small fluffs, veins are visible from the upper part. It is in them that the main healing power lies. Because of the elongated oval shape and soft surface of the leaves, the common bearberry is called "bear's ear" by the people. In some regions, the name "bear berry" is common. In autumn, in September, the bush is completely strewn with fruits (bright red drupes). The taste of the berries is sour-tart.

Bearberry habitat

In total, more than thirty species of this plant are known, for the most part it grows in the Northern Hemisphere. In our country, only bearberry is found. You can meet her both in the middle and in the northern strip of the European part, on Far East and in Eastern Siberia. The main habitat is pine forests, larch woodlands, thickets of elfin cedar. Bearberry grows on sandy soils and scree, loves bright places. You can find a plant in mountainous areas.

Useful Components

What are the benefits of bearberry? Leaves contain arbutin glycoside, flavonoids, organic acids. Arbutin has a pronounced diuretic and antiseptic effect. Flavonoids quickly destroy viruses, bacteria, microbes in the body. Ursolic acid is endowed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and gallic acid is able to prevent the occurrence of various tumors and slow down premature aging. Bearberry leaves also contain tannins that have a beneficial effect on the intestines. When applied externally, hydroquinone has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, brightens it. In addition to all this, bearberry contains quercetin, various micro and macro elements, essential oil, vitamin C.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

To prepare a plant for the future, you should collect it in the spring, when the bearberry has not yet bloomed, or in the fall, when it is already bearing fruit. With a knife or pruner, you need to cut the shoots along with the leaves from the top three centimeters down. In no case do not uproot the bearberry - this part will not be useful anyway, and the plant will be completely destroyed. Bearberry recovers for a very long time. In the same place, you should not collect raw materials more than once every three years.

It is better to dry shoots with leaves under a canopy or in a ventilated attic, laying them in a thin even layer. Periodically, the raw materials need to be turned over. If the shoots are dried in a dryer, the temperature should not exceed 40-45 degrees. After the leaves have dried, they must be separated from the shoots. To remove excess debris, the raw materials are sieved on a sieve with 5 mm holes. After that, it is packaged in bags and stored in a dark place.

Bearberry: instructions for use

Decoctions, infusions and alcohol tinctures are prepared from dried leaves for medicinal purposes. Let's talk about how to make them.

Decoction

10 grams of dried leaves should be poured with a glass of hot water and boiled for half an hour in a water bath. Then cool at room temperature, squeeze and discard the leaves. Bring the resulting liquid to its original volume by adding warm water.

Use this decoction to eliminate edema. You need to drink it one tablespoon five times a day. Store no more than two days.

Infusion

10 grams of raw materials are poured with very hot water (200 milliliters), heated in a water bath, not boiling. Then cool and filter the infusion of bearberry. The use is most often indicated for cystitis. It is better to drink it half an hour before meals, 50 milliliters 3-4 times a day.

Alcohol tincture

20 grams of dry leaves are poured with 100 milliliters of alcohol. Insist in a dark place for several days. Ready tincture is consumed three times a day, 10-15 drops, washed down with water.

Indications for use

Bearberry, whose medicinal properties have long been proven, is most often used in folk medicine. Although many representatives of official medicine do not dispute the medicinal effect of the plant. Dried bearberry leaves are recommended for heartburn, gastritis. The decoction relieves swelling, stops uterine bleeding, normalizes cardiac activity, and facilitates the course of tuberculosis. They also wash festering wounds. Bearberry is indispensable tool with diathesis in children - the infusion is added to the bath for bathing. The plant is also used for diseases of the nervous system, insomnia, and for the treatment of malignant tumors.

Most often, leaves are used as raw materials, but flowers can also be used - they will help with conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and heart disease. The plant helps to cure alcoholism. With withdrawal syndrome (easier - with a hangover), an infusion of it becomes the first assistant - it helps to remove all poisons from the body, neutralizing their effect.

Like a hog uterus ( medicinal herb), bearberry is used in gynecology. Decoctions of the leaves in the form of douching are used for leucorrhea, contraction of the myometrium. According to historical information, bearberry was one of the first to be used to combat venereal diseases both in Russia and in Northern Europe.

Multiple Recipes

With cystitis

An infusion is prepared from the leaves of the plant: pour two teaspoons of raw materials into 250 ml of hot water. Insist for a day. Drink 3 times a day, 200 ml in a warm form.

Bearberry is also used as part of the collection: combine 20 g of dry leaves with 20 g of hernia, 5 g of parsley and 5 g of celandine. Pour the collection of 250 ml of boiling water, leave for an hour. Drink three times a day, 70 ml.

Important! In the treatment of cystitis healing effect bearberry gives only when the urine reaction is alkaline. The thing is that methylarbutin and arbutin only in this case are able to turn into hydroquinone. So before using bearberry, you need to do a urine test. If the environment is acidic, it should be neutralized by using baking soda.

For insomnia

Prepare the collection: in equal proportions, combine birch leaves, corn silk, licorice root, bearberry leaves. One part of the collection must be poured with 20 parts of boiling water. Drink three times a day before meals, 70 ml. At the same time, the collection is an antiseptic and diuretic.

With diarrhea, gastritis

The ground berries of the plant boiled in milk help.

Contraindications

Bearberry in the composition has potent substances, so before using it, it is best to consult with specialists. When self-medicating, if the dosage has been exceeded, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea may occur. Inflammation occurring in the kidneys and urinary tract can also become aggravated.

It is better to use fees containing bearberry leaves at the same time as those plants that have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The content of arbutin in this case will be minimal and the effect of biologically active substances will manifest itself faster.

Some experts claim that the use of bearberry decoctions causes irritation of the mucous membranes. gastrointestinal tract. So be careful. Do not self-medicate.

In acute kidney disease, you should not even take fees that contain bearberry. There are also contraindications for pregnant women. In no case do not drink decoctions uncontrollably as a diuretic or with cystitis. Bearberry can cause uterine contractions and even cause miscarriage.

During the treatment of the urinary tract with bearberry leaves, doctors advise excluding protein foods from the diet so that urine does not oxidize. It is better to eat plant foods at this time so that the pH is in the alkaline zone. Before using bearberry medicines, you can take a solution of soda (one teaspoon per glass of water).
Do not use uncontrolled decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, which contain bearberry. Instructions for use must be strictly observed. So it will be possible to avoid an overdose and the appearance of symptoms in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and fever.
Avoid concomitant use of bearberry and preparations that contain alkali or alkaloids.
Before you undergo a course of treatment, be sure to consult with your doctor, who will set the necessary dosages.

How to determine the authenticity of raw materials

Today, modern pharmacology offers bearberry in almost any pharmacy. There are cases when the consumer buys dried leaves directly from his hands, in the market. There should be no doubt about the authenticity of pharmaceutical raw materials, but when buying medicine from a private trader on the street, you can run into a fake. It happens that because of the similarity of plants, you can confuse bearberry with ordinary lingonberries. Their leaves are somewhat similar. At home, it is quite possible to check the authenticity of raw materials. How? Prepare an infusion of bearberry leaves according to the recipe described above. Throw in a small crystal of iron sulphate. Watch for reactions. If the infusion is indeed made from bearberry, the liquid will immediately turn red and later turn purple. After completion of the reaction, a dark purple precipitate can be observed at the bottom.

Description of bearberry (Bear's ear) .

Literary names of the plant: Bearberry;
Latin (botanical) name of the plant: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi;
Plant generic name: Arctostaphylos;
Popular names of the plant: Bear grapes, Bear's ear, Bear ears, Bear berry, Tormentor, Pork lingonberry, Pork berry, Toloknitsa, Tolokonka borovaya.

Only the main, most common names among the population are listed. The names came to us from, as well as because of the appearance and habitats. Bearberry is a plant of swamps, where it can form thickets. Due to its use in official and folk medicine. In culture in very small quantities, since the plant is quite whimsical and susceptible to external conditions and it is extremely difficult to endure harvesting periods, with careless harvesting, thickets can die. On various can be considered various features plant structure and appreciate its beauty. It should be noted that despite the apparent strength, the plant is extremely susceptible to invasion of its territory, careless harvesting can lead to the complete extermination of the plant, it recovers for a very long time.

The plant belongs to the heather family, it is an evergreen, terrestrial, creeping shrub reaching 1.5 m in length. Due to its useful healing properties, it belongs to medicinal plants.

Stem. The bearberry stem is woody, creeping, up to 1.5 m long with a yellowish bark, strongly branching. Young branches of the plant are slightly pubescent, green or gray-green in color, old branches with exfoliating red-gray bark.

Leaves. Bearberry leaves are dark green above, green below, wrinkled from depressed veins. By location, alternate, obovate, oblong, small, thick, entire edges, rounded tops, leathery in appearance with a characteristic sheen. Young foliage dies off for 3 years.

flowers. Bearberry blooms in May-June. The flowers are small on short stalks, of a delicate pale pink color, the flowers are collected in inclined brushes. In the brushes there can be up to 10 magnificent flowers.

Fruit. Bearberry fruits are a spherical, powdery drupe, red in color, with five seeds. The fruits ripen by August.

root system. The root system of Bearberry is underdeveloped and highly susceptible to external influences.

plant propagates mainly vegetatively, by seeds Bearberry reproduces extremely difficult.

Bearberry is a photophilous plant that grows in lighted areas, on dry, sandy soils, in pine forests or clearings, does not tolerate plant competition.

The bear's ear is a medicinal plant, it is used in medicine, in rare cases it is grown on plots as an ornamental plant. Incorrect use can cause gag reflexes and other side effects, which requires caution when using, in its pure form only after consulting a doctor.

Places of distribution of Bearberry (Bear's ear).

Medicinal plant found very widespread in the territories European countries, Western and Eastern Siberia, the Far East. Grows in open, well-lit areas, open swamps, pine forests, sandy clearings.

Bearberry (Bear's ear) is listed in the Red Books.

In the case of tearing out or careless harvesting, it can degenerate in this place, as it does not tolerate competition with other plants. Due to poor germination and long recovery, the medicinal plant Bearberry (Bear's ear) was brought into its:
- Republic of Bashkortostan;
- The Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Bryansk region, Ivanovo region, Kaliningrad region, Kaluga region, Lipetsk region, Moscow region, Novgorod region, Penza region, Ryazan region, Samara region, Tver region, Tula region, Yaroslavl region;
- Ukraine: Zhytomyr region, Lvov region, Rivne region, Sumy region;
- The Republic of Mordovia;
- Republic of Tatarstan;
- Udmurt republic.

Bearberry (Bear's ear) is often confused with lingonberries, as they are similar in appearance and grow on the same territory, but lingonberries have the edges turned down and matte leaves from the bottom.

Bear's ear or martyr - this is what the people call bearberry, which is famous for its healing abilities. The plant is good helper in the treatment of many ailments. It is used as aid in complex therapy, because bearberry has useful properties and its contraindications are insignificant.

Brief description of the plant

In appearance, the plant is very similar to, but there is a difference - there are no characteristic spots on its leaves that are inherent in lingonberries. The bear's ear is an evergreen shrub that begins to bloom in pink and white in late April - early May, and ends its flowering in July. By autumn, tart, slightly sour red berries ripen.

Bear's ear can be found in almost every forest. The plant covers entire glades with its curly branches. The people use all parts of such grass, but the leaves are most valued. They are always green and can be harvested at any time of the year.

Note! highest concentration useful substances contained in the plant during the period of fruit ripening (late August - early September). It is at this time that it is recommended to harvest medicinal herbs.

When collecting a bear's ear, do not cut off the leaves or berries. They need to be carefully cut. This will allow not to injure the plant, and retain as much as possible useful components in it.

Drying of the bear's ear can take place in well-ventilated areas, in attics, where there are sufficient drafts. The plant is not afraid of the sun, so it can be safely spread in open space.

As for storage after harvesting, it is recommended to put the dried leaves in jars or canvas bags. The term of use of the bear's eye is approximately two years, after which new blanks must be made.

All parts of the plant have beneficial properties, especially the leaves. They contain flavonoids, tannins, B and C vitamins, organic acids, glycosides and many other substances (wax, hydroquinone, gum). Flowers and fruits of bearberry are also used in folk medicine.

Important! very effective in the treatment various pathologies in the event that the plant is used in combination with traditional therapy. Basically, doctors recommend bear's ear as a prophylactic or adjuvant for various pathologies.

Diseases in which bearberry helps well:

Pathologies of the kidneys (cholelithiasis, pyelonephritis), urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis). In this case, bearberry produces a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic action.
Puffiness, which is provoked by various reasons. Bearberry removes excess fluid and restores the functioning of the relevant organs.
Pathologies of the reproductive system of women and men (including venereal diseases). Bear's ear eliminates disease-causing organisms and removes them from the body.
Heart failure and diseases of the nervous system.
Gout, articular rheumatism.
Diathesis, skin injuries with various rashes.

Important! Any manifestation of the disease self-treatment excluded. Only after consulting a doctor and confirming a particular pathology, bearberry can be used. Otherwise, overdoses are possible in the form of nausea, vomiting, joint pain, fever and general deterioration.

bearberry leaves use for women

Because of great content useful substances, the plant is widely used in gynecology. Good herb for diseases genitourinary system among women. Traditional medicine is full of recipes for the use of bearberry, which are used in the treatment of pathologies. Bladder, abnormalities in the reproductive organs, kidney disease.

With cystitis

20 g of dry bearberry pour 250 ml of hot water. The mixture is cooked on a steam bath for about half an hour, after which it is filtered and cooled to room temperature. The decoction is recommended to use 1 tbsp. l. after eating after 40-60 minutes. Total intake per day should not exceed 3-5 tbsp. l. It is necessary to store such liquid in the refrigerator (no more than 2 days).

Douching with uterine bleeding, inflammatory processes in the genitals can be done with a similar decoction. In this case, bearberry will remove discomfort, pain, will serve as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent.

Plant infusion for cystitis

Pour 15 g of dried leaves of a bear's ear into a thermos, pour boiling water (200 ml), and leave overnight. In the morning, strain the infusion and consume a quarter cup 40 minutes before meals. General reception per day should not exceed 4 times.

Collection of herbs for cystitis

Mix 1 tsp. bearberry and hernia, add 0.5 tsp each. crushed and. Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the well-mixed mixture and insist in a cool place for a couple of hours. Take a strained collection of 45 ml after meals (several times a day).

Note! Bearberry treatment should not last more than 20 days. Usually two weeks are enough to completely eliminate the problem if you take bear ears in complex therapy. Long-term use of such a plant can lead to complications.

extract for kidney stones

Due to the fact that not everyone can tolerate the bitterness of the infusion of bear ears, there is a ready-made drug Uriflan. It comes in capsules that contain bearberry extract. You need to take this remedy for 10 days, 1 capsule per day. This will cleanse the kidneys of stones, relieve the inflammatory process and produce an antiseptic effect on the affected organs. For a deeper cleansing of the kidneys, take 1 capsule 2 times a day.

It is important to note that for prevention and kidney stones, women need to drink such a remedy in courses 2 times a year. It is better to do this in the spring and autumn periods.

Tea for pyelonephritis

Pour 20 g of dry grass with water (1/4 l). Drink to insist in a dark place for about a day. Strained liquid can be drunk in a cup several times a day, preferably warm.

Bearberry soaked in cold water has more beneficial microorganisms than after heat treatment. It contains substances that contribute to the excretion excess fluid from the body. Tea also helps relieve inflammation in the kidneys, kills pathogenic bacteria and improves kidney function.

Leaves of bearberry and birch mixed with grass , crushed root . Add juniper (fruit). All components are taken in equal parts and mixed. 50 g of the mixture pour 3 tbsp. boiling water and boil for half an hour in a water bath. Strained and chilled drink take 0.5 cups half an hour before each meal.

Remember! Inflammation in the kidneys and bladder is treated antibiotic therapy. Infusions and decoctions with bearberry are recommended to be taken as an adjuvant, and in no case as a replacement for the main treatment.

Alcohol tincture for edema

Place two tablespoons (tablespoons) of dried bear's-eye leaves in 100–120 ml ethyl alcohol(fortress not less than 40%). The liquid should be infused in a dark place for 2 weeks, after which it should be filtered. Tincture is recommended to take 15 drops several times a day (no more than three).

Alcohol tincture has greater efficiency in the treatment of edema, rather than decoctions and infusions. This is due to the fact that there is much less fluid in it, which is already enough in the body with edema.

During pregnancy

As for the period of breastfeeding, there is certain contraindications to the use of bearberry. The plant can adversely affect the still fragile body of the child. There is also a possibility of a decrease in the amount of milk. Therefore, during lactation, you should refrain from taking bear's ear.

It is worth mentioning bearberry during the period of bearing a child. Many women wonder if it is possible to use a bear's ear during pregnancy? Doctors do not recommend using bearberry during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the plant can negatively affect the tone of the uterus, provoke its contraction, which ultimately will cause premature birth or miscarriage.

It is known that during the bearing of a child, women are most prone to cystitis and edema. You may also experience kidney problems. During pregnancy, bearberry is a good substitute for lingonberries. It has a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect, relieves swelling, and, most importantly, does not affect the muscles of the uterus, which is absolutely harmless to the fetus.

Important! The use of bearberry during pregnancy is possible if the positive effect on the health of the mother is many times greater than the threat to the child. Then the doctor himself prescribes the dose and course of such treatment, which must be strictly adhered to so as not to greatly harm the pregnancy.

Plant properties in cosmetology

The plant is widely used to strengthen hair, cleanse the face from age spots. Bear's ear is popular as an anti-aging agent, used during diets. If you know how to cook bearberry correctly, you can achieve good results in appearance.

Bearberry Clay Face Mask

It will take 15 g of dried bear ears, which must be poured with boiling water (0.5 tbsp.). Stirring, keep on the steam bath for 20 minutes, then leave to cool. To the broth you need to add 1 tbsp. l. clay (blue), and mix everything well until the lumps dissolve. Put the finished mask on the skin of the face thin layer and wash off after 10-12 minutes.

Good results can be achieved if similar procedure at least 2 times a week. The skin will be smooth, smoothed and refreshed.

Decoction against age spots

Pour the crushed leaves of the bear's ear (50 g) with boiling water (0.5 l). Mix well and steam for 15 minutes. After that, wrap the mixture in a towel and let it brew for one night. So the broth will be more concentrated. It is recommended to wipe the problem areas of the skin with this infusion several times a day.

Hair infusion

Pour 30 g of bearberry with water (300 ml), boil until part of the liquid has evaporated. After that, insist the decoction and rub it into the hair roots for one month. The procedure is recommended to be carried out 1 time in 3 days. This will help prevent hair loss, enhance hair growth and add volume.

For weight loss

2 tbsp. l. dried herbs insist in 0.5 l cold water. After a day, strain and drink in the form of tea, preheating. This drink helps good breeding excess fluid from the body, which provokes a discharge excess weight and also helps to get rid of harmful toxins.

Note! Bearberry tea promotes weight loss if it is taken in a complex diet. With a normal diet, it will be a simple diuretic that does not provoke weight loss.

Beneficial effect on the body of men

Men most often suffer from disorders of the reproductive system. An enlarged prostate gland makes it difficult to urinate, makes it painful, and the urge to go to the toilet becomes frequent and groundless.

With prostate, bearberry relieves inflammation, relieves pain and eliminates pathogens that provoke infection. The action of the bear's ear, in this case, is similar to its effect on the body with cystitis. Therefore, if you know that bearberry treats the genitourinary system, it can be safely used for men's problems.

Infusion for prostatitis

One tablespoon (tablespoon) of dry leaves pour 0.5 liters of cold water, soak for one day. Strained drink to drink 10-15 ml after meals.

In chronic cases, such an infusion, filled with cold water, has more useful substances than a decoction in boiling water. The results of treatment are especially clearly visible after several courses and during periods of exacerbation of the disease. Each time, the symptoms will become weaker until they disappear altogether.

An alcohol tincture of bearberry helps with prostatitis. It is prepared in the same way as with edema. For men, its reception makes it possible to establish urination, remove infection in the bladder and prostate gland. Bearberry in alcohol tincture removes toxins from the body and restores the urinary tract.

Important! The use of alcohol tincture should be carried out in strictly prescribed doses, which are not recommended to be exceeded. Otherwise, there may be a reaction of the body in the form of allergic processes and deterioration.

Alcohol addiction

Apart from various diseases, men often suffer. In folk medicine, there are several recipes, after which the craving for alcohol disappears for a certain time. If you know how to brew bear's ear decoctions correctly and how to drink, you can achieve good results.

Infusion for beer alcoholism

On low heat, boil 50 g of dried leaves in two glasses of water. Such a decoction should be infused throughout the night. It is recommended to take 15 ml up to 7 ml throughout the day. The results will be visible after a couple of months of drinking such a drink.

Decoction against alcohol addiction

1 st. boiling water pour 60 g of dry grass leaves, boil for 7 minutes over low heat. Use strained broth on a tablespoon up to 7 times a day. The treatment lasts two weeks.

It is worth remembering that one decoction of bearberry is not enough to cure alcoholism. Here the desire of the patient himself and the additional therapy of traditional medicine are important.

Plant benefits for children

The use of bearberry in the treatment of childhood diseases is widespread. Decoctions and infusions are prepared using the same technology as for adults, but a smaller dose of the plant itself is used. Also, before treating a child with a bearberry of a disease, you should consult a doctor and only then proceed to herbal medicine.

Infusion for cystitis in children

1 tsp brew the crushed plant in a glass of boiling water, leave for 1.5-2 hours, give the child half an hour before meals, 15 ml. Such an infusion for cystitis in children will bring relief, relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, and help remove the infection from the bladder.

Decoctions in milk for gastritis

Boil 10 g of dried bear ears in a glass of milk and insist until cool. Give the child 2 tbsp. l. one hour before meals. The daily dose should not exceed 6 tablespoons.

Also, children can be given crushed fruits of the plant (in the form of jelly) for gastritis and diarrhea.

Contraindications and side effects

Along with many positive properties, bear's eye has some contraindications. They should be taken seriously, as uncontrolled intake of the plant can lead to disastrous consequences.

The main contraindications to the use of bearberry:

Pregnancy and lactation.
Acute leakage cholelithiasis. In this condition, the use of a plant can aggravate the inflammatory process and worsen the patient's well-being.
Acute intestinal disorders. In this case, bearberry can further irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to increased diarrhea.
Children up to 12 years of age.

Note! In case of abuse of decoctions and tinctures of bearberry, an overdose can cause side effects: nausea, profuse vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, fever.

bearberry is strong remedy in the fight against many diseases, especially pathologies of the genitourinary system in adults and children. Using it in treatment, it is important to remember that the plant most effectively acts on the human body when used in combination therapy with conservative medicine. Also bear ears are great prophylactic. In no case is it recommended to replace traditional therapy folk remedies and abuse self-medication, otherwise it can lead to serious complications.

Bear's ear, bear's grapes, as the people call bearberry. This is unique plant has healing properties, so it is widely used in folk medicine. Some components...

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

Prefers dry pine forests, deciduous forests, birch-larch light forests, clearings, grows well on predominantly sandy soil, with sufficient access sunlight. Well populates clearings and burnt areas, grows on seaside rocks and gravelly places. With insufficient moisture, it slows down its growth, the leaves become rough and brown, and then the leaf shoots die off altogether. A feature of the plant is the presence of endo- and exotrophic mycorrhiza, therefore, for growth in the soil, there must be mycorrhiza-forming fungi. It does not tolerate competition with other plants and grows in clumps within the 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 shrub 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, below - dull and lighter. The leaves have a solid edge, without edging, arranged alternately: they live for 2 years, and on the 3rd they die and fall off.

A distinctive feature of lingonberries is small brown dots on reverse side leaves. Knowing this feature, plants are easy to identify in nature.

Color 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-pronged limb, inside there are hard hairs. Anthers with appendages are dark red 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-like drupe of dark red color with a diameter of 0.6-0.8 cm. The pulp is mealy, inside which there are five seeds.

Chemical composition

The main chemical 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-amirins);
anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin);
catechins;
resin;
wax;
iodine, zinc, copper and manganese;
ascorbic acid.

In the shoots of the plant were found:

flavonoids (isoquercetin, quercetin, myricitrin, myricetin, hyperoside);
C-benzylated dihydroflavanones (hamanetin and isohamanetin);
iridoids (monotropein and unedozide);
phenolcarboxylic acids with derivatives (up to 6% gallic acid, n-coumaric, coffee, lilac, ellagalic, protocatechonic, vanillic acids, methyl gallate, corilagin);
up to 35% pyrogallic tannins (ellagitannins and gallotannins);
organic acids (formic, quinic, tack, malic, etc.);
a small amount of essential oil;
micro and macro elements.

Collection and preparation

Useful properties of bearberry leaves, as well as its shoots, allow them to be harvested as medicinal raw materials. You can collect the plant 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).

At one site, you can collect raw materials no earlier than 5 years after the previous collection. Dry in dryers at T 50-60 ̊C or in ventilated rooms. Stored in linen bags for 5 years.

History and scientific research of bearberry

The first mention of the medicinal properties of the bear's ear dates back to the 12th century - then it was already used in England: in the Old English medical book "Meddygon Myddfai" a description of the properties of the plant is given.
AT medieval medicine Armenian peoples martyr was used as an astringent for diarrhea and hemoptysis.
Recognition in Germany treatment plant, bearberry received only in the 18th century.

german public service health care recognizes the bear's eye as one of the effective means in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the urinary tract.

Instructions for the use of bearberry in the scientific and practical medicine of France date back to the 20s. 20th century The well-known herbalist of this country, Leclerc, recommended the plant as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory drug for pathologies of the kidneys, 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 sexually transmitted diseases- syphilis and gonorrhea. Moreover, in a number of areas of Russia, the plant is still used for this purpose.
In Lithuanian folk medicine, the plant was used in the treatment of chronic diarrhea, hypertension, neurosis, to tone the body, eliminate inflammatory processes.
Tibetan healers use the leaves of the plant for heartburn, Graves' disease, and gastritis.
Ukrainian phytotherapeutist Nosal V. advises plant preparations for urinary incontinence at night in children.
Czech scientists have developed a technology for cultivating bearberry leaves mesophilic cells. However, arbutin and other phenol glycosides do not accumulate in 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, which contained up to 15% arbutin. In experiments on laboratory rats, it was found that the drug increased diuresis by 37%.
In vitro experiments have shown that plant leaf extracts inhibit growth 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 enhances 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 of chemicals that make up 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.
The antiseptic properties are associated with the local irritating and antimicrobial action of hydroquinone phenol.
The diuretic effect is also associated with hydroquinone and other phenols: they irritate the kidney tissue, passing through it, and increase urination.
Antimicrobial properties are associated with the glycoside arbutin, which decomposes 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.

Both in official and in folk medicine, bearberry is mainly used as an antiseptic for diseases of the urinary tract, urethra and bladder, urolithiasis. The combined action of bearberry leads to the purification of the urinary tract from pathogenic flora and inflammation products.

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

External use of plant preparations helps to reduce the severity of wrinkles, heal and brighten the skin (with hyperpigmentation), eliminate inflammation and blackheads. So, cream with bearberry Kredo Natur - unique product, cleansing pores from black dots in 7-10 days. Cream from a domestic manufacturer "Chistaya Liniya" 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 traditional medicine

Decoction of bearberry

It is indicated for chronic gastritis, edema, cystitis, urethritis, chronic nephritis, constipation, uterine bleeding, chronic colitis, diathesis, diabetes. It is used externally for the treatment of poorly healing wounds, abrasions, scratches.

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

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

Cold infusion

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

Cooking: 10 gr. Combine dry leaves of the plant with 2 cups of cold water.

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

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

Alcohol tincture

It is used for sleep disorders, diseases of the nervous system, urolithiasis, alcoholism; rheumatism, cancer and gout, as a pain reliever.

Cooking: 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 q/o 30 minutes after meals 3 times a day.

Extract

Applied 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 the appearance and cleanse the skin, accelerate regeneration and rejuvenation, reduce inflammation and heal injuries. Stops hair loss and stimulates the growth of hair follicles.

Cooking: the leaves of the plant are crushed to 3 mm and the extractant (water or alcohol) is prepared. For 1 part of the leaves, take 5 parts of the extractant, which should be divided into 3 portions: 3:1:1. First, 3 parts of the extractant are added to the leaves and incubated 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 insisted for 1 day. All obtained extracts are mixed together and stored in a bottle in the refrigerator.

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

Fees with bearberry and recipes for certain diseases

Collection for the treatment of neurosis, insomnia

Mix bear's ear and motherwort herb in equal proportions. Take 2 tbsp. mixture, add 3 cups of water to them and place everything in a saucepan and in a water bath. Cook until liquid has reduced 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 to the mixture 5 gr. dried parsley and the same amount of celandine. Grind the mixture of plants 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. To 250 ml of boiling water, add 1 tbsp. 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 for the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, remove from heat and cover, wait until it cools down. Strain.

Take with meals, 2 times a day. Also in this decoction can be moistened gauze bandage and apply it on sore spots for 15 minutes. Such treatment is carried out until the pain completely disappears.

Collection from pyelonephritis

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

Take 1/3 cup twice a day.

Collection from edema

Mix birch leaves, corn stigmas and bearberry in equal parts, 100 gr. collection, steam 200 ml of boiling water, leave for a day in a dry, warm place.

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

Means for the treatment of tuberculosis

2 tbsp mix dry raw materials of the plant with 100 ml of vodka, insist 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 herb, pods of sowing beans, corn stigmas, fragrant hernia herb and highlander, willow bark, cornflower flowers, drooping birch buds. Grind a mixture of plants, take 1 tbsp. this dare and pour 250 ml of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and insist for another half an hour, strain.

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

Collection for the treatment of atherosclerosis

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

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

Pharmaceutical preparations with bearberry

Uriflorin. Monodrug 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 the bear's eye, contains extracts of birch leaves, lingonberries and cranberries. Indicated in the complex therapy of 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, sharp and chronic cystitis and urethritis, stagnant processes in the pelvis.
Ursul. Polycomponent dietary supplement for food. It is recommended as a general tonic to maintain the functions of the urinary system, as well as an additional source of minerals for inflammatory pathologies urinary tract.
dry bearberry leaves(or in filter bags) - a phytopreparation used in the complex treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract.

Contraindications to treatment

Bearberry should not be taken with:

acute failure of kidney function;
glomerulonephritis;
children under 12;
lactating and pregnant women;
patients with hypersensitivity to the plant.

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

Side effects and special instructions

In the treatment of plant preparations in large doses, it is possible to exacerbate inflammation in the urinary organs and develop kidney symptoms associated with prolonged irritation of the renal tubules.

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

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

How to distinguish bearberry from lingonberry

Very often, dry lingonberry raw materials are given out under the guise of bearberry and sold in the markets. There will be no harm from such treatment, however, there will also be benefits in the expected volume.

Even in the pharmacopoeia of the 8th century, a technique for analyzing medicinal raw materials to determine falsification was described. An aqueous infusion is prepared from the tested raw materials in a ratio of 1:50, then a crystal of ferrous 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 reaction is completed, 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 iron-ammonium alum, when a few drops of which are added to the infusion of bearberry, the latter acquires a black-blue color. If the infusion is made from lingonberries, it will turn green-black.

Bearberry belongs to the evergreen shrubby plants of the heather family. The popular name for bearberry is bearberry or bear's eye. The height of the shrubs often reaches 3 meters, the leaves of the plant are small and oblong, the young stems are green. The plant lives no more than two years, blooms in early summer with pink flowers collected in a brush. Bearberry fruits are red round berries with a fleshy texture. The main areas of growth of this berry are Siberia, the Far Eastern regions, Northern part Russia. Bearberry prefers dry coniferous forests, sandy and rocky slopes. Bearberry is often confused with lingonberries, which grow in almost the same places. Although there are differences. Bearberry grows as a more creeping bush, lingonberries - raised. Cowberries have slightly larger leaves, serrated and slightly curved along the edges, their color is rich green above, dotted with brown veins below. The fruits of the berries are also different: lingonberries are more juicy, bearberry has a powdery structure (which is why it is also called a flour berry). healing properties possess all parts of the plant, and fruits, and leaves, and flowers. It is curious that the periods between their harvesting are very long, about 5 years, since bearberry grows at a very slow pace. Usually branches with leaves are cut in the spring or after the berries ripen. Leaves and branches are dried, they can be stored for several years. Raw materials prepared from the plant are odorless, bitter in taste and have a pronounced astringent effect.

Composition of bearberry leaves

Arbutin is a substance that causes harmless irritation of the membranes of the kidneys, it acts as a diuretic;

Tannins - have a strengthening effect on the intestines, contributes to the treatment and prevention of diarrhea and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

Flavonoids are substances of biological origin that kill viruses, bacteria and microbes in the body. Bearberry contains different types of flavonoids, this provides successful use in the treatment of viral, epidemic and microbial diseases;

Hydroquinone - used in cosmetology as a skin whitening agent. Decoctions of bearberry are sometimes used for asthma, as it helps to improve the condition of the body with a lack of oxygen. Hydroquinone, along with other components found in bearberry leaves, has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. At the same time, piece hydroquinone is prohibited, since it is a very strong substance;

Gallic acid is an antioxidant that prevents the development oncological diseases and signs of aging. When using bearberry, wrinkles disappear and the quality of the skin improves;

Ursolic acid has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, which allows it to be used in medicine.

Useful properties of bearberry

The herb has on the body complex action and has the following medicinal properties:

diuretic - helps to remove excess fluid from the body;
astringent;
antiseptic;
antimicrobial; anti-inflammatory; helps relieve muscle tension.

There is an impressive list of diseases, the symptoms of which will help eliminate the use of bearberry leaves.

Cystitis. Bearberry leaves are able to help alleviate the course of the disease, providing a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and disinfectant effect on the body;

Urethritis. Substances that are part of the leaves destroy viruses and bacteria that cause inflammatory processes in the urinary tract. After such therapy, the functionality of the urinary tract is fully restored;

Prostatitis. Herbal medicine with bearberry helps to restore urination, activates the excretion of urine in the kidneys, and also eliminates inflammation;

Various pathologies of the kidneys. With the help of bearberry, pyelonephritis, pyelocystitis, pyelitis are successfully treated. Bearberry is able to replace drugs that have a diuretic effect. In addition, under the influence medicinal components microorganisms that provoke the development of diseases are excreted in the urine;

Pathologies gastrointestinal system. Bearberry leaves have an astringent effect, which is why the medicinal plant is used to restore the functioning of the intestines. Bearberry is also effectively used to treat peptic ulcer;

Puffiness caused by various reasons. Due to the diuretic action, excess fluid is excreted from the body;

cancerous tumors;

Rheumatism;

Diathesis;

Urolithiasis disease;

Heart failure;

Graves' disease;

Gout.

Given that bearberry is a complete drug, of course, it has a number of contraindications that should be considered in the treatment.

Contraindications to the use of bearberry

Pregnant women should not get carried away with remedies based on this plant, since bearberry has an irritating effect on the muscles of the uterus, which can adversely affect the health of the mother and fetus. Pregnant women can safely take only the fees that include this plant, because in them the concentration of bearberry is minimal and safe for the fetus and mother. ;

Also, before starting treatment with bearberry, it is necessary to consult a specialist about the required dosage, especially for children;

Overdose and too long use of bearberry can provoke vomiting, nausea, intestinal upset .;

Also, bearberry can irritate the kidneys, so it is not recommended for people suffering from diseases of this organ, with glomerulonephritis.

Secrets of effective bearberry treatment

To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of bearberry, at the time of its administration, it is necessary to completely exclude (in extreme cases, to limit as much as possible) the consumption of protein products that lead to urine acidification. In the treatment of bearberry, the basis of the diet should be plant foods in any of its variations.

To maintain pH values within acceptable limits, before taking medicine from a bear's ear, doctors advise drinking a special solution. home cooking. Preparing it is extremely simple: add a teaspoon of soda to a glass of water at room temperature, mix thoroughly and drink immediately.

Everyone who is going to take bearberry should remember that it is forbidden simultaneous reception infusion / tincture of bearberry and medicines containing alkaloids or alkali. In addition, in no case should you exceed the recommended dosages, since otherwise you can get very unpleasant side effects: nausea, chills, vomiting and a sharp increase in body temperature.

Therefore, it is so important to consult with a qualified specialist, not just before any of these manifestations occur, but even immediately before the start of the bear's ear treatment itself.

Bearberry in medical preparations

The homeopathic use of bearberry has several forms. At pharmacological factories, this phyto raw material is processed into several different types drugs. Leaves become the main subject of processing, but for some medicinal purposes, crushed shrub vines are additionally used.

Raw materials are processed into several forms:

crushed pulp for brewing;
alcohol tinctures;
pills.

Used for treatment tea bearberry.

Each form serves a specific purpose.

Decoctions are great for both ingestion and cooking:

inhalations;
rehabilitation baths;
impurities for enema;
for cosmetic purposes.

Astringent properties allow you to quickly normalize the work of the intestines and stomach. The aggravation of such an ailment is remarkably cured by taking an alcohol tincture. The volume and number of doses are clearly prescribed by the attending physician according to the situation.

Pills prescribed in case of exacerbation of urolithiasis.

Tablets are prescribed in case of exacerbation of urolithiasis. A precisely adjusted dose of the content in each tablet allows you to effectively cope with the consequences of the development of the disease. The properties and contraindications of bearberry make preparations made from this raw material a strong homeopathic remedy.

Laboratory conditions make it possible to make strong concentrates from raw materials. So the factory medical preparations have a fast impact. In order not to face backfire you must follow the instructions exactly. Exceeding the dose can lead to complications in the work of the body.

Traditional medicine recipes

Water infusion of bearberry leaves. In such a tool, the large quantity valuable trace elements and vitamins, since the grass is not heat-treated. To prepare the infusion, you need to take a tablespoon of dry grass, pour a glass of boiled water and cool it to room temperature. The mixture is kept in warm conditions throughout the day. After the infusion is filtered and stored for two days;

Bearberry tincture for alcohol. To prepare the product, you will need two tablespoons of bearberry leaves and half a glass of ethyl alcohol (40%). The leaves are poured with alcohol and aged for two weeks in a warm place. Then the agent is filtered. Accept alcohol tincture you can three times a day for 15 drops;

Bearberry tea. Even though the recipe is quite old, it is not used as much today. A large number of tannins, which are released during the brewing process, negatively affect the gastric mucosa. Today, bearberry tea is often replaced with an infusion. If bearberry tea is used for treatment, it is not used for gastritis.

Bearberry for weight loss

Bearberry for weight loss is taken as part of special collection, since taking a "solo" remedy is fraught with dehydration of the body due to the pronounced diuretic properties of the plant.

Healing and at the same time fat-burning collection will speed up the metabolism and relieve swelling.

Recipe:

Mix equal parts of corn stigma, birch leaves, string grass and bear ears;
Separate 100 g from the herbal mix, pour a liter of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. Ready infusion consume 0.5 cups 3 times a day, an hour after eating.

Determining the authenticity of raw materials

Today, bearberry and preparations from it can be found in almost every pharmacy. However, often its dried leaves are also offered in the markets. If in the first case there should be no doubts about the authenticity of raw materials, then in the second case, it is quite possible to encounter an unscrupulous seller who, under the guise of medicinal plant, can sell, for example, ordinary lingonberry leaves.

You can easily check the authenticity of a plant at home. To do this, you need to prepare an infusion of bearberry on water in a ratio of 1 to 50, then throw a crystal of iron sulfate into it. If the raw materials are of high quality, the liquid will first turn red and then purple, and after the reaction is completed, a dark purple precipitate forms.