Bearberry fruit: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What are bearberries for?

Bearberry fruit is used in facilitating urination and preventing the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. This fruit is also often used by women as menstrual medicine, especially to relieve pain during menstruation.

In addition, bearberry extract can also be used as an astringent to shrink pores and inhibit excess oil production on the skin.

How does it work?

There is not enough research into how this herb works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies that show the following benefits:

• Antiseptic and diuretic: the diuretic effect of bearberry results from the chemical components triterpene and arbutin. Arbutin has been reported to be effective as a diuretic and as an antiseptic to kill bacteria in the urinary tract.
• Anti-inflammatory: one of the components of bearberry's flavonoid, quercitrin, is responsible for reducing inflammation. Arbutin and urosolic acid can also be responsible for this anti-inflammatory effect.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dosage for bearberry fruit for adults?

The dosage of this herbal plant can be different for each patient. The dosage used depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal plants are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for the appropriate dosage.

In what forms is bearberry fruit available?

This herbal plant can be available in several medicinal forms:

• dried leaves
• drops
• liquid extract
• powder extract
• tablet
• tea

Side effects

What side effects can bearberry fruit cause?

Bearberry can have several side effects including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Anorexia
• Hepatotoxicity
• Change in urine color (dark green)
• Cyanosis
• Tinnitus
• Seizures
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Out of breath
• Limp

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you are concerned about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.

Security

What should I know before consuming bearberry fruit?

Some things that you should pay attention to before consuming bearberry fruit are:

• Tell your doctor if you are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, or other herbal remedies.
• You should monitor your electrolyte levels while using bearberry as a diuretic.

The regulations governing the use of herbal supplements are less stringent than those of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using, make sure the benefits of using herbal supplements outweigh the risks. Consult an herbalist or doctor for more information.

How safe is Bearberry?

Don't use bearberry if:

• You are allergic to the ingredients in bearberry
• You have stomach irritation or kidney disease
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Interaction

What kinds of interactions might occur when I consume bearberry?

Some of the possible interactions after consuming bearberry are:

• Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Bearberry can prolong the length of time warfarin stays in the body, and increases the chance of bruising and bleeding.
• The use of bearberry and diuretics together can cause electrolytes to be lost, generally leading to low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
• Bearberry can enhance the effects of NSAIDs.
• Urine acid can deactivate the bearberry. So, don't use it together.

These herbs can have an effect with the medication being used or your medical condition. Consult your herbalist or doctor before using it.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.