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Bearberry (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi)
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Derived from the Uva Ursi plant, bearberry extract is a botanical skin lightener that contains a natural form of hydroquinone, and is also used as a part of cosmetic products because it helps in lightening the skin pigmentation. The hydroquinone present in uva ursi is used to condense skin discoloration.
The difference with this natural form of hydroquinone lies within its composition. The cytotoxic (cell death and mutations) abilities of synthetic hydroquinone (the kind used in skin bleaching creams) is not present in bearberry extract. Bearberry extract does produce hydroquinone (the actual melanin inhibiting agent) but has an antioxidant property due to the anthocyamin prescience (something in which other forms of hydroquinone do not have). It is also much more stable than a synthetic form of hydroquinone, so it doesn’t become pro-oxidant when exposed to sunlight.
This herb also contains tannins that have astringent effects, which can help to shrink and tighten mucous membrane in the body.
Uva ursi” means “the bear’s grape”. It is basically a shrub and fruits of it are eaten by bears. It has very pleasurable flavor which may be fit for bears. Bears are said to be doting of shiny, bright red or pink fruit, which is not poisonous but sour tasting. This shrub is native to Europe, Asia and North America.
Uva ursi extract is made from the leaves of uva ursi plant. The uva ursi extract is used for medical purposes. Its main benefits are:-
It is use to treat urinary tract infection (UTI). It is use to treat kidney stones. It prevent from skin discoloration. It can cure from cystitis in which there are variety of infections in the bladder and lower urinary tract.
From long time it is used in western countries like Americans, Europeans use the extract of uva ursi for medical purposes. Native Americans use this shrub to treat their urinary tract infections. Europeans’ use it to treat inflammation of the bladder. Uva ursi was the official recommendation for a urinary tract infection in the U.S. Pharmacopeia until 1936.
Now days it is commonly used as a natural or home remedy to treat UTI. This plant’s extract can kill the bacteria’s in our urinary tract and help us to flush these bacteria’s out of our body.
Uva ursi extract also have pain killing effect. So, during kidney stones pain felt by patient can be relieved through it. It may also be helpful in treating rashes, sores and arthritis pain.
The extract can be reactive to other herbs, medications. For this rationale it should be taken under supervision of doctor. Women who are pregnant should not take this. People who are suffering from digestive, kidney or liver diseases should avoid it.
Disclaimer: The information presented
herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements,
it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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