Herb comparison
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) vs Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 2 of the same conditions, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is restricted
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
- About
- Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a small, low-lying evergreen shrub with dark green leaves, pink flowers, and bright red berries. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which NCCIH says are thought to keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Cranberry juice or extracts are widely used to try to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs); NCCIH says they may lower the risk of repeat UTIs in some women but are not recommended as a treatment for an existing UTI. MSK notes that the fruit and juice are rich in vitamin C.Uva-ursi is a low-lying evergreen shrub growing to 20 inches tall with long trailing stems, dark green leaves that are glossy on the upper side, bell-shaped pink flowers, and small glossy red berries. The name means 'bear's grape' in Latin, as bears are fond of the fruit. Native to Europe and naturalized throughout the northern hemisphere up to the Arctic, it grows in damp undergrowth, heathland, and grassland conditions. The plant was first documented in The Physicians of Myddfai, a 13th-century Welsh herbal text.
- Safety & precautions
- Kidney Disease: Seek professional advice if you have existing kidney issues, as cranberry’s acidity may be problematic in certain cases.Do not take during pregnancy or with kidney disease. Not suitable for children under 12. Not suitable if there is a simultaneous kidney infection. Use only for short periods, under professional guidance. Not for use in cases involving fluid deficiency, wasting, or dryness. Not recommended for long-term use due to strong astringency. Prolonged use may irritate the stomach and cause constipation.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.