Herb of the week: Uva Ursi

 

Planet: Saturn

Element: Earth

Also known as Bearberry, Uva Ursi is a low growing herb of the heather family. It closely resembles Blueberry and the Cranberry, but unlike the tasty fruits of these cousins, the actual Bear 'berry' is quite insipid and mealy and not particularly recommendable as a wild food. However, bears seem to like them, which is how they got their name. Native Americans also appreciated the berries and ascribed great rejuvenating value to them. In fact, they utilized leaves, bark and berries for various purposes. In western herbalism, Uva Ursi is mostly appreciated for its tough little leathery leaves, which yield a powerful antiseptic agent. Native Americans use Bearberry ceremonially. It is one of the main ingredients of the sacred smoking mixture known as Kinnickinnick. Animals, protection, strength. Scent - Autumn leaves, herby, hint of pine. Lore - A religious herb to Native Americans, uva ursi or bearberry is included in pipe-smoking mixtures. Some tribes employed it in the training of shamans in skills of divination and prophecy. Uva ursi is used in magic by those wishing to increase their psychic ability. Add to sachets designed to strengthen psychic powers. Uva ursi is an evergreen shrub with small, tough, shiny leaves found growing in hilly areas of upper midwest North America and Canada.

Not surprising, the leaves ingested in a tea are believed to increase psychic abilities and divination in modern magick.  Powdered herb can be sprinkled around the alter area or into burning candles in divination rituals, and leaves can be made into sachets to help increase psychic powers.  Dried leaves can be mixed with tobacco or other smokeable herbs and used for meditation and increased psychic abilities.

Not to be taken by pregnant women or those breastfeeding, by children, or those with kidney disease. High doses cause nausea and can actually inflame the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. Overuse can cause symptoms of poisoning. Long term use can cause liver damage, especially in children.

Use this herb to wash your talismans or amulets, in healing spells to increase

Their potency or to induce visionary dreams.

Other: Purification, Awareness, Joy, Boundaries,Clears blockages, Psychic Workings.

Possibly Ineffective for 

• Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Most research shows that taking oral uva ursi does not help to treat UTIs. It isn't clear if oral uva ursi can help to prevent UTIs.

There is interest in using uva ursi for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful

helpful. 

Precaution

 

When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is possibly safe when taken for up to 5 days. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and can turn the urine greenish-brown. Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer.

When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is possibly safe when taken for up to 5 days. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and can turn the urine greenish-brown. Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer. 

---

Pregnancy: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is likely unsafe. It might start labor. 

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if uva ursi is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Uva ursi is possibly unsafe in children when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems. Don't give uva ursi to children. 

Retinal thinning: Uva ursi contains a chemical that can thin the retina in the eye. Avoid uva ursi if your retinas are already thinning.