Arctostaphylos uva ursi (Bearberry)

The name Arctostaphylos uva ursi is a compound of Greek and Latin words with the same meaning: arcto means �bear� in Latin and staphyle means �grape� while uva means �grape� in Greek and ursi means �bear� in Greek. This name was given because bears eat the fruit. Bearberry, an evergreen shrub commonly used by many native North American tribes to treat a wide range of ailments, is one of the best urinary antiseptics. Bearberry fights really well certain organisms associated with urinary infections but is toxic in the long-term and should not be used for extended periods of time. The leaves are also a tonic for the uterus and help the tissues of the reproductive system. They can also speed recovery after giving birth.