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Bearberry is the common name for a plant scientifically referred to as Uva ursi. It has been used throughout history for its believed medicinal properties. It's mostly known by herbalist for possibly benefits related to: Urinary Tract Infections, Dysuria, kidney stones, chronic mild cystitis, as an: Antiseptic; astringent, and urinary antiseptic. The plant contains the glycoside known as "arbutin", that has natural antimicrobial properties which act as a mild diuretic, according to studies. Herbalists mostly utilize it for dealing with urinary tract complaints like Echinacea, including cystitis and urolihiasis. One should research the potential dangers of this plant though, using scholarly databases. In modern times plants are often extracted and made into a tincture. One can be made with Uva Ursi leaves by soaking them in Grain alcohol for several weeks or months. A tea of Bearberry (uvaursi) can also be made with the leaves using hot water, just as regular tea is made. Note that I don't know everything about this plant, so don't assume that it's totally harmless. I do my research, but can't know everything.
Tribal Use
Before discussing Bearberry and its traditional ethnobotany, I want to point out a few things related to the holy scripture. The ancient of days has made it known through his prophecy via his word that forms of divination, sorcery, and witchcraft are condemned. In the new age, there are lots of different faces of witchcraft often discuised as "of primitive cultures". Some examples are the shamans in peru and the amazon. Many don't realize that these people area real life sorcerers, and one should view them as such. Some of the ethnobotanicals being sold today in the USA have dangerous super natural consequences upon being brought into ones home, or even worse, used in "shamanic context". Surely one can expect to be cursed if they use anything in such a manner, for it is forbidden by the most high. Deuteronomy 7:26 - "Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing."
The Arctostaphylos (Uva ursi), or "Bearberry" plant, has been used in a ceremonial tribal blend collectively known as "Kinnikinnick" by Native Americans. In other western nations it's combined with other other plants like Tobacco, for use in tribal ceremony( see Deuteronomy 18:10. Eastern tribes would typically use Nicotiana rustica in their peace pipes, while western tribes preferred "kinnikinick". As long as a plant is being consumed in a way that does not violate the word, especially Deuteronomy 18:10. This basically means that nothing is to be intended to exalt oneself in the position of god. Unfortunately, using anything as an "entheogen", is in violation of the ancient of days word.
This isn't the only ceremonial infusion of ethnobotanicals used by a specific culture. Modern phytochemistry, in my opinion, gets its basis for scientific research into said botanicals thanks to ethnobotany, and the cultural indicators that certain ethnobotanicals produce pharmacological constituents of interest. We owe these cultures a Thank you, for making believers out of those who otherwise were blind to the wonders that the wonderful El Shaddai has created for us while we're down here.. For those confused, El Shaddai is another name for god.{source}
These statements are not an indication that this is a "designer drug", or "legal high". Blends using different botanicals made by Native Americans NEVER contained non-organic plant based additives of any sort, illicit or legal in either powdered, crystalized, liquid, or any other form, and neither do the ones mentioned on this page. I just wanted to make it perfectly clear that these herbs are not to be confused with research chemical drugs and all of that. You do have to be careful though and I do understand this. They were used in blends though, natural ones that were not laced with drugs. As you know Tobacco is a popular plant that is smoked. Throughout history different cultures have embraced the smoking of several other plants in their traditions and ceremonies, including Cannabis. Be weary of any online shop that sells anything "shamanic", for this context is witchcraft.
Naturally Active Plants
It turns out there are a large number of ethnobotanicals that exist in nature which contain compounds that are beneficial for human beings according to the study of phytochemistry. I became very interested in studying these via Google Scholar to learn as much about the science as possible. In herbalism the science we are interested in is called phytochemistry. Let us never go about anything without respecting Immanuel.
Consider that some online shops will only tell you things that make you want to buy what their selling. Bouncing Bear Botanicals did this when they were in business. Sadly, some shops online selling specifically "shamanic ethnobotanicals", are actually selling toxic plants. My discernment, coupled with my relationship with god, allows me to tell which ones are meant for our benefit, and which are not.. A little common sense, a little phytochemical research, and some ethnobotanical history, can really give us a solid understanding on what is and what is not ok to consume. Certainly, trying to practice in your home what these cultures practiced, is extremely dangerous, and could result in you needing to call an exorcist, or poison control center, or worse.. See Psalms 91:1 through to the end.
Dosages?
You came to this page because you were interested in learning about Bearberry. This section has a lot to do with arctostaphylos and other plants in general, so please keep this in mind. As a general rule of thumb, you want to always consider dosages as key when dealing with any form of medicine I think. I'm not trying to play doctor but over-dose is a real danger we can't deny. I'm not saying you can over-dose on all plants, but you should use caution, because ones like Datura or Bella donna are DEADLY. Dosage counts! Some people may think that because they are dealing with "holistic medicine" that they can just chug a big glass jar of the most potent extract, or that all plants are good for you... They have the idea in mind that "all natural" means there's no limit to how much they can consume. They are often under the impression that they can consume the same medicine every day of their life and it will keep them completely healthy. The point is, dosage actually counts, and not all plants are good for people. While most supplements when consumed as a tea are safe in relatively larger doses, not every single item can be treated the same, nor can every seller be trusted. So what is a dosage for Bearberry? I don't know. See my resource section below though, at the bottom of every page.
I want you to use google scholar and others to learn more about the facts I am about to share with you in this paragraph. Certain potential medicines are all around beneficial for health when consumed properly. Certain medicines work because they are small enough dosages of a substances, which at higher dosages could be potentially dangerous. A diluted enough form of a poison, is said to have the opposite effect, making it potentially useful as a medicine. This idea, is a medicial law. It's as solid as the law of gravity. It's called the "Arndt–Schulz rule", and you can read about it by clicking its title in this sentence. Sense Bearberry was used ceremonially, I hypothesise that it may have a threshold which you don't want to cross. This one has been used more like Ayahuasca, but has had its holistic applications throghout history.
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaves
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