Dear friend, ❤️
According to recent studies, bearberry could be a natural alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of cystitis.
But what exactly is it and how does it work?
In this article we will explore the properties of bearberry, its possible effectiveness as a treatment for cystitis, and precautions to take.
Bearberry is an evergreen plant that produces leaves used to make herbal supplements, and it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract and bladder infections, such as cystitis.
It is found in many types of climates and places with good sun exposure, including open forests, sandy beaches, and rocky terrain.
To be precise, it is found in places like California and New Mexico in the United States, and in parts of Europe, Siberia, and the Himalayas. When the weather is warm and sunny, the plant produces white and pink flowers and red berries.
So, can bearberries be eaten?
It is good to know that only the dried and crushed leaves are used to make supplements, so not the berries. When used as a supplement, bearberry can be taken as a powder, capsule, tea, or tincture.
In some cases, topical skin ointments are also available.
Read also: Here’s why even more people suffer from cystitis during the Covid-19 outbreak
What is the purpose of bearberry? According to some studies, it has a number of beneficial effects, including acting as a diuretic, urinary antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Bearberry leaf extracts contain many protective constituents, such as:
Most of the antimicrobial actions of bearberry are attributed to hydroquinone derivatives, particularly arbutin.
But let’s come to it: what is the role of this plant in the treatment of cystitis?
Bearberry is often used to treat urinary tract (UTI) and bladder infections (thus cystitis). There have not been many large-scale studies examining its efficacy or mechanism of action, but several small studies have shown that it can reduce recurrent urinary tract infections due to its natural antibacterial and astringent properties.
This could also reduce the need for antibiotics used to treat UTIs.
But that’s not all!
Bearberry is believed to help prevent UTIs, cystitis, and swelling of the bladder and urethra due to the presence of glycosides and other anti-inflammatory compounds, including arbutin, tannins, and hydroquinone.
It has also been shown to help manage urinary incontinence and tighten mucous membranes in the body, helping to reduce susceptibility to infection.
As proof of the above, I cite you a 2017 review in which a preparation of bearberry combined with green tea was able to reduce the proliferation of bacteria called Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which commonly contribute to UTIs. This specific preparation did a better job than thirteen other preparations tested in the study.
According to the results, bearberry combined with green tea was able to reduce Staphylococcus saprophyticus levels by about 75%, in part by killing the bacteria and also restoring normal pH balance.
Other studies show that bearberry can help kill Escherichia coli (E. coli), a pathogen that causes urinary, bladder and digestive problems.
Side effects are rare, but may include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
However, it is important to avoid high doses of bearberry because even as little as 15 grams of the leaves can be toxic. You should also limit its use to less than 2 weeks at a time.
The main safety issue concerns hydroquinone, the chemical derived from arbutin. Long-term exposure to hydroquinone is feared to cause cancer.
In addition, bearberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding or those suffering from intestinal, liver or kidney disease.
So if you want to try bearberry, it is best to talk to your doctor because it may interact with medications you are taking for another health condition.
So, what can we do to treat cystitis safely without the risk of side effects?
Nature offers us the solution!
If you have never heard of D-mannose, let me explain what it is in a few words.
We are talking about a monosaccharide (simple sugar) of plant origin-in the case of Dimann brand products, it is extracted from birch bark.
Its action prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, causing them to slip. At this point, your body will be able to expel them quite naturally-that is, while you pee!
In addition, D-mannose does not affect the intestinal flora, as it only kills the ‘bad’ bacteria that cause the infection.
Do you wish to know more? To do this you can:
I hug you tightly from here,
Lorenza
Read also: How to sleep more soundly with cystitis: yes, it really is possible
What is bearberry?
Bearberry is an evergreen plant that produces leaves used to make herbal supplements, and it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract and bladder infections, such as cystitis.
Can bearberry help fight cystitis?
Yes, bearberry is often used to treat urinary tract (UTI) and bladder infections (thus cystitis) due to its natural antibacterial and astringent properties. Several studies have shown that it can reduce recurrent urinary tract infections.
What are the side effects of bearberry?
Side effects are rare, but may include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). However, it is important to avoid high doses of UU because even as little as 15 grams of leaves can be toxic. You should also limit its use to less than 2 weeks at a time.