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Uva Ursi/ Manzanita: Uva ursi's leaves are used to make medicine. Uva ursi is used primarily for urinary tract disorders, including infections of the kidney,bladder, and urethra; swelling (inflammation) of the urinary tract; increased urination;painful urination; and urine that contains excess uric acid or other acids. Uva ursi is also used for constipation and a lung condition called bronchitis. Uva ursi, hops, and peppermint are also used in combination to treat people with compulsive bedwetting and painful urination. by reduicing swelling/inflammation and bacteria in the urine. As a nutritional supplement and muscle relaxant, Uva ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated and inflamed tissues. Folk medicine around the world has recommended Uva Ursi for nephritis, kidney stones, and chronic cystitis. The herb has also been used as a general tonic for weakened kidneys, liver or pancreas. Native Americans used it as a remedy for headaches, to prevent and cure scurvy and to treat urinary tract infections. In fact, until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, Uva ursi was the treatment of choice for such bladder and related infections. Through modern day scientific research in test tubes and animals, Uva ursi's antimicrobial properties, which can help fight infection, and diuretic effects have been demonstrated. Uva ursi may be of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane. Therefore, it is used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc. It has even proved effective in fighting against the effect of E. Coli.