BEARBERRY - ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI
BEARBERRY - ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA-URSI
Local name: დათვის კენკრა
Where to find it: Guria
Terrain: 1000-2400 m above sea level; It is commonly found in dry, sandy, or rocky soils in various environments, including heathlands, moorlands, and mountainous regions. It is frequently encountered in alpine and subalpine ecosystems.
Description:
Bearberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub that typically reaches a height of 10 to 30 centimeters. The plant forms a dense mat with trailing stems, and its leaves are small, elliptical, and about 1 to 3 centimeters long. The leaves are glossy and dark green, with a leathery texture. During the growing season, bearberry may produce small, bell-shaped, pink or white flowers that are around 5 to 8 millimeters in length. These flowers develop into bright red berries that are also relatively small, measuring about 5 to 10 millimeters in diameter.
Usable parts: Leaves
Medicinal properties:
Bearberry leaves contain various compounds, including arbutin, hydroquinone, tannins, and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant’s potential therapeutic properties.
The baby leaves of bearberry are traditionally employed as a hematological purifier, while the mature leaves are recognized for their potential anti-diuretic, anti-inflammatory, blood-clotting, and anti-rheumatic properties in traditional herbal medicine. Flowering branches are used for heart diseases, and fruits During indigestion.
Undesired effects:
Bearberry contains arbutin, which is metabolized in the body to hydroquinone. In high doses or prolonged use, hydroquinone can be toxic and may lead to adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus.
Preparation:
Infusion: prepare an infusion by steeping the dried or fresh leaves in hot water. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves or a larger quantity of fresh leaves per cup of hot water. Allow the leaves to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain the mixture, and then consume. This infusion is often used to support urinary tract health.
Tincture: create a tincture by macerating the dried leaves in a high-proof alcohol. This method extracts the plant’s active constituents and preserves them for extended use.
Powdered Form: Bearberry leaves can also be dried and ground into a powder.
Harvest time:
Late spring to early summer
Harvest method:
Choose a morning with dry weather, to ensure optimal essential oil concentration. Select leaves that are fully formed but have not entered the over-maturity phase. Using clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears, carefully snip the leaves at their stems, avoiding damage to the rest of the plant.
Conservation:
Leaves should be gently cleaned by rinsing them under cool, running water to remove any impurities. Subsequently, the leaves can be air-dried in a shaded, well-ventilated area, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to facilitate even drying. The drying process may take several days, during which the leaves should be periodically turned. It’s crucial to confirm complete dryness by ensuring the leaves feel crisp to the touch with no residual moisture. Once dried, separate the leaves from the stems, discarding any damaged portions. Store the dried bearberry leaves in airtight containers, such as glass jars with tightly sealed lids, in a cool, dark location.
