Uva Ursi: What It Is and How to Use It

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small evergreen shrub whose dried leaves — nicknamed "bearberry" because bears love the berries — have been used in traditional herbal practices for centuries, most often brewed as a tea. You can find dried uva ursi leaf at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, sold by weight from our bulk herb section.

Available in Bulk

We carry uva ursi leaf in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try it in a tea blend, all the way up to a full bag for regular use. Our staff can help you find it on the bulk wall and answer questions about how it is traditionally prepared.

What We Carry

• Uva ursi leaf, cut and sifted — the classic dried-leaf form for steeping as a tea.
• Uva ursi leaf powder — finely ground, for those who prefer a powdered herb for capsules or blends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does uva ursi taste like?

Uva ursi tea is earthy and astringent, with a mildly bitter, tannic flavor similar to strong black tea. Most people brew it as part of a blend rather than drinking it straight — pairing it with peppermint, chamomile, or a touch of honey softens the bitterness.

What is uva ursi traditionally used for?

In Western herbal traditions, uva ursi leaf has a long history of use for urinary tract support and was once listed in the United States Pharmacopeia. The leaves contain arbutin, a compound that converts to hydroquinone in the body — which is also why traditional guidance suggests using it for short periods rather than as an everyday tea. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.

How is uva ursi tea usually prepared?

The traditional preparation is an infusion: steep about a teaspoon of dried leaf in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then strain. Some traditional recipes use a cold-water soak instead, on the theory that it extracts fewer tannins and tastes milder. We don't give dosage advice — talk to a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider about preparation.

Why does it matter that it is "cut and sifted"?

"Cut and sifted" simply means the dried leaves have been chopped into small, uniform pieces and sifted to remove stems and dust. That makes it easy to measure, steeps evenly, and is the standard form sold for teas and infusions.

Did you know? Uva ursi is one of the few herbs that was once official in the United States Pharmacopeia (from 1820 to 1936), reflecting how widely it was used by American physicians and pharmacists in the 19th century (source: American Botanical Council).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find uva ursi in the bulk herb section.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.