Evidence supporting the use of: Manzanita
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) has traditional use in supporting the bladder and urinary tract, primarily among Native American and early settler herbalists in North America. The leaves of Manzanita were historically prepared as teas or decoctions to address urinary tract discomfort, cystitis, and mild bladder irritations. These traditional uses are likely influenced by the plant’s relatedness to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry), which contains arbutin, a compound that metabolizes into hydroquinone and exhibits urinary antiseptic properties. However, compared to bearberry, there is much less formal documentation or scientific research specifically evaluating Manzanita’s efficacy and safety for bladder health in humans. Most available evidence is based on ethnobotanical accounts and anecdotal reports rather than controlled clinical trials. As a result, the use of Manzanita for bladder support is justified by tradition rather than modern scientific validation. Those interested in herbal support for the bladder may find stronger evidence for related plants like bearberry (uva-ursi), but Manzanita’s traditional use does reflect a history of application as a mild urinary tract remedy.
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