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Bearberry is a primary herb used to address urinary tract infections

Bearberry

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Ericaceae

Bearberry is excellent as a mucous membrane tonic for urinary and reproductive tissues. This herb has been researched for its unique compounds called hydroquinones, which are responsible for its urinary antiseptic actions and skin lightening properties.

Sustainability Status

Sustainability status

Not currently on risk lists but complete data may be missing on the status of the species. Read more about our sustainability guide.

Key benefits
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Poor digestion
  • Genito-urinary dysfunction
  • Antibacterial
  • Arthritis

  • How does it feel?

    Bearberry has a distinct aromatic taste which gives away its clear antimicrobial and anti-infective actions. It is astringent and mildly bitter, although due to these powerful aromatic qualities, for most it is pleasant and distinctly cleansing to the mouth with a soothing effect on digestion when drunk as a tea or decoction.

    Bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Bearberry leaves and flowers (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Fresh Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

  • What can I use it for?

    Bearberry fruit and leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Bearberry fruit and leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

    Bearberry has a strong reputation for the treatment of lower urinary tract infections (UTI). It has a short period of use of up to a week for use in home herbalism. It is indicated in mild cases of UTIs where there is a stinging or burning sensation on urination and abnormal urinary frequency where more serious conditions have been ruled out by a medical professional (1).

    It is useful for those who are prone to urinary tract infections as it helps to reduce inflammation, address bacterial infection and increase diuresis which are important actions for herbs used to approach the treatment of UTIs. It is an important herb for cystitis and as part of a healing strategy for recurrent UTIs (2, 3). However, it is important to note that whilst it may be able to assist in healing of the urinary tract — one must ensure that UTIs are treated appropriately particularly where the problem is recurrent or chronic. It is best to address the treatment of recurrent cystitis under the care of a medical herbalist.

    It is often used alongside diuretic herbs like corn silk and tissue restoratives such as horsetail or juniper berry to name a few. A herbalist will often advise a course of herbal treatment along with dietary changes and other supplements to create a lasting resolution as well as to reduce the chances of recurring infections.

    Bearberry may also be useful for those experiencing poor function in the digestive system relating to low tone of the stomach and bowels. This may present as loose stools or chronic diarrhoea (3). Most of the other indications of bearberryi are for conditions that should be addressed under the supervision of a herbalist.

    It also has an anti-catarrhal effect on the lower respiratory system, which may be of use for acute cases of bronchitis to help reduce phlegmatic secretions in the lungs (3).

  • Into the heart of bearberry

    Fresh Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Fresh Bearberry leaves (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

    Uva ursi has a complex energetic profile as an aromatic, pungent and astringent herb. It is said to be cooling via its ability to reduce toxic heat through improving the function of the kidneys and urinary system to detoxify the blood (4).

    It is used for tissue states where there is depressed or under functioning related to over relaxation of the mucous membranes that line the organs (3). Bearberry is helpful for toning the mucous membranes — with a particular affinity to the reproductive system, urinary tract and digestive system (4).

    Bearberry has some associations as a protective herb by the stories of its use by wild bears as a food and medicine. This herb may be one to consider to use energetically for the strengthening of boundaries.

    Often herbs with this protective association are also herbs that support the boundary systems in the body. This refers to boundaries between in inner and outer worlds, i.e. the mucosa or epithelium (that lines the surfaces or cavities which performs secretory, transporting, or regulatory functions). In the case of bearberry, we see actions that support the skin, mucous membranes or endothelium. Bearberry improves the health of these frontier tissues and enables stronger boundaries. Both in terms of the physiological or emotional potential of bearberry, there are many gifts to offer those who may benefit from increased resilience to outside influences to help us repair where there may be a ‘leaking’ out of energy. These types of boundaries are often in reference to sensitive souls and empaths who tend to feel other’s energy deeply (4).

  • Traditional uses

    Bearberry has a long history of use as a urinary antimicrobial for the treatment of infections in the kidneys and bladder. The eclectic physicians used it for chronic and recurrent infections and irritation in the urinary system, enuresis, mucous or blood in the urine, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, menorrhagia and for sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea (5).

    The leaves of bearberry have a traditional use among the Carrier people of North British Columbia as a poultice for wounds as well as for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure), dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and to help with mood changes during the menopause (6).

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What practitioners say

    Bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Bearberry plant (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

    Genito-urinary system

    The primary uses for bearberry are for conditions in the urinary system. Herbalists predominantly employ this herb for its antimicrobial actions for the treatment of urinary tract infections. One of its primary compounds called arbutin is understood to be an important player in this herb’s urinary antiseptic actions. Bearberry effectively disinfects the urinary tract (6,7). It contains high levels of tannins which contribute to its astringent effect on the urinary mucous membranes (6). 

    Bearberry is, therefore, often incorporated into a treatment plan to help address chronic and recurring cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis pyelitis and lithuria (2,5,6). It is best applied as a decoction or infusion for conditions of the urinary system (3).

    It has a neutralising effect on high acidity in the urine. It is specific for where there is profuse urination caused by diabetes mellitus. It has a tonic effect on the whole genito-urinary system that may be applied in the treatment of incontinence. It may help to address prostatitis with symptoms of involuntary seminal emissions and incontinence. It may also be of use where there is ulceration in the bladder (2,3).

    Its astringent properties help to reduce excess mucous secretions caused by over-relaxation in the urinary tissues (3). Much as the older uses, bearberry is also used for leucorrhea and other excessive secretions of infectious nature in the reproductive system, such as with thrush. It helps by improving genito-urinary tone, which includes the uterine tissues. It is most specific where there is flaccidity and poor tone (3,7).

    These astringent and tonic properties also make it useful for postpartum excessive flooding (3).

    Musculoskeletal system

    Bearberry is used to treat inflammatory conditions in the musculoskeletal system such as arthritis. It also has an astringent and alterative effect that may be of use for the treatment of oedema as it helps to clear metabolic byproducts and toxins from the blood that can contribute to inflammation in the joints (3).

    Bearberry leaves and flowers (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
    Bearberry leaves and flowers (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

    Digestive system

    Bearberry has an astringent effect on the gastrointestinal system. It can be used for chronic diarrhoea caused by poor tone and flaccidity of the digestive mucous membranes (8).

    It may be used for indigestion, nausea, excess phlegmatic secretions in the digestive tract and for sluggish digestion caused by slow emptying of the stomach. It is also sometimes used for ulcerations in the bowels.

    It is also a supportive medicine where there is digestive weakness relating to diabetes mellitus (3). Its antimicrobial effects are specific for gastric Helicobacter pylori infections (4).

    Reproductive system

    Bearberry has a tonic effect on the reproductive system for both men and women. It has been used where there is a lax state in the uterus for excessive bleeding and menorrhagia. It may also be useful for dysmenorrhea that relates to poor tone in the uterine tissue. For the same reasons it can be a useful tonic for uterine prolapse (4).

    Skin

    Bearberry is sometimes used in cosmetic products for skin hyper-pigmentation. It contains hydroquinones, one such is arbutin, which has been found to be a powerful skin lightener. Many skin lightening products contain an extract of arbutin derived from plants such as bearberry. Topical application of skin products containing bearberry may be helpful for reducing the appearance of age spots, as well as hormonal skin issues such as melasma and vitiligo. It is important to note that larger and stronger doses as well as longer-term use may be associated with rebound hyper-pigmentation and skin irritation so it is important to follow product guidelines or work alongside a professional herbalist for the safest treatment (4).

  • Research

    There are currently a very limited amount of high quality clinical trials for bearberry. However, a number of in vitro and in vivo studies have examined the effects of bearberry extracts and or arbutin has shown positive antibacterial activities against Helicobacter pylori strains as well as enterobacter, klebsiella, and shigella species. Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella thyphimurium Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli and Mycoplasma homonis were the most sensitive to the antibacterial effects of bearberry and arbutin extracts (6).

  • Did you know?

    Bearberry’s species  name derives from the Latin words uva meaning grape and ursus meaning bear thus bear’s grape. Its name references the common habit of bears to consume its fruits (9).

    Bearberry has traditional use as a smoke medicine among many Indigenous tribes. It was often blended with other aromatic herbs and made into a smoke blend which was called Kinnickinik (4).

Additional information

  • Botanical description

    Bearberry is a creeping, slow-growing, prostrate, evergreen shrub. It typically grows up to 6–12 feet tall. Its flexible branches spread to 3–6 feet wide or more. Branchlets mature to a reddish brown colour with peeling bark that has a papery texture on older twigs. The leaves are alternate, entire, short-stalked, leathery, rounded-at-the-tip. They may appear obovate to spatulate and are dark green, evergreen and shiny above but paler underneath (each approximately 1 1/4 inches long). 

    Leaves turn light brown in winter before becoming green again in spring.  The small flowers appear in small terminal clusters in April to May. They are drooping, urn-shaped and white-to-pink in colour. The berry-like round fruits (drupes) ripen in August–September. Each drupe (1/2” long) contains five nutlets (seeds). Drupes are green in summer ripening to a rich red in autumn. They may remain on the plants throughout winter (9).

  • Common names

    • Bearberry
    • Uva ursi
    • Bears grape
    • Kinninnick
    • Mountain cranberry

  • Safety

    Maximum usage is recommended for no more than two weeks. Bearberry is contraindicated for use during pregnancy (3) or lactation (10).

    A side effect of bearberry is that it can rarely turn the urine brighter yellow or green, this is however not dangerous. Large doses may also have a nauseating effect (3).

    If symptoms of urinary tract infections have not started to improve or if there is any worsening of symptoms seek medical advice (11). Symptoms such as fever, kidney pain or blood in urine should be addressed under the care of a qualified medical professional (1).

  • Interactions

    There are no major interactions known for bearberry although medications that acidify the urine may be inactivated by bearberry and, therefore, concurrent use should be avoided (1,11).

  • Contraindications

    Bearberry should not be used by young children below the age of 12 (11) due to reports of liver toxicity when taken in larger doses (3).

    Bearberry should be avoided by those with kidney disorders, unless taken under supervision of a medical herbalist.

    It should also be used with caution in cases where there is iron deficiency anaemia or electrolyte imbalances (1).

  • Preparations

    Infusion

  • Dosage

    It is often said that bearberry is best consumed as an aqueous extract (infusion or decoction) whilst others discuss the best extraction of arbutin and tannins is through decoction (6).

    Infusion — To make an infusion place between 9–12 g of dried material in to one cup of boiling water. Infuse for up to 15 minutes. This should be cooled and drank and divided into 4 doses to be taken throughout the day (11).

    Decoction — To make a decoction place between 1.5–2.5 g of dried material into one cup of boiling water. Gently simmer on a low heat for up to 30 minutes. This should be cooled and drunk three times a day (6).

    Tincture (1:5 in 25% ) — Take between 2–4 ml in a little water up to three times a day (6).

    Plenty of liquid should be consumed during treatment with bearberry. The treatment should continue until complete disappearance of symptoms for a maximum of two weeks (3).

    If symptoms of urinary tract infections have not started to improve or if there is any worsening of symptoms seek medicall advice (11).

  • Plant parts used

    Dried leaf

  • Constituents

    The constituents in bearberry that are understood to have the most powerful antibacterial action are the hydroquinones. One of the primary hydroquinones in bearberry is a glucoside called arbutin (11).

    Polyphenols such as tannins are particularly high in bearberry. These include galtannins, catechin and corilagin.

    Phenolic acids including gallic acid, p-coumaric and syringe acid. Flavonoids such as quercetin and myricetin lycocides are also present (6). 

    Other constituents are methylarbutin, ericolin, ursone, gallic acid, ellagic acid, steroid, sitosterol, and triterpenoids, such as amyrin, betulinic acid, lupeol, oleanolic acid, taraxenol, ursolic acid, and uvaol (11).

    Bearberry also contains vitamin C, and A. Calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium are also present (6).

Bearberry illustration (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

  • Habitat

    Uva ursi is native to North America, Europe and Asia. In North America. It grows in a variety of habitats typically including gravelly or sandy exposed sites, dry/rocky slopes/outcrops, forest margins and forest clearings. Its climate is cool alpine regions in the more southern parts of its growing range (9).

  • Sustainability

    This species is classed as Least Concern on the IUCN red list of threatened species as it is widespread with stable populations in parts of its native range. However, on various national red lists bearberry is classed as threatened and more localised conservation actions are required (IUCN).

    Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

    The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

    The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy  and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    One of the primary compounds in bearberry called arbutus is highest in the autumn, making this season the best time to harvest for medicinal purposes (6).

    Herbal medicines are often very safe to take, however, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputed supplier. Sometimes herbs bought from unreputable sources are contaminated, adulterated or substituted with incorrect plant matter.

    Some important markers for quality to look for would be to look for certified organic labelling, ensuring that the correct scientific/botanical name is used and that suppliers can provide information about the source of ingredients used in the product.

    A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from. There is more space for contamination and adulteration when the supply chain is unknown.

  • How to grow

    Bearberry will grow in most locations in moist but well-drained, fertile, lime-free soil. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade. 

    • It can be propagated by seed, however it is most often grown from soft or hard cuttings. 
    • Soft cuttings are taken from the tender new growth of the season in spring or early summer. 
    • Collect non-flowering shoots early in the day when it is full of water. Taking up to 10 cm of shoot, cutting off neatly above a bud on the parent plant. Using a sharp knife trim below a node to make a cutting about 5–10 cm. Remove the lower leaves. An organic rooting solution is often used to stimulate growth
    • Planting the cuttings into fine compost, they should be placed in good light but not direct, scorching sunlight. Once rooted, harden off the cuttings for about two weeks and pot them on individually.
    • Keep them watered whilst they develop their roots over a period of 2–4 weeks.
    • If potted by mid-summer they will most likely develop sufficient roots to survive the winter. Otherwise pot up in the following spring. 
    • Once the cuttings are well established, plant out directly into the garden. Bearberry grows well as part of a hedgerow, shrub border or woodland garden.
    • Once established, it will need little or no pruning (12).

  • Recipe

    Urinary Tract Tea

    This tea blend is excellent as a tonic for a sensitive urinary system. It is not intended for the treatment of infections, as that may require a more potent blend. However, this tea blend will support the tissue health throughout the urinary system whilst also helping to keep any threat of infection at bay.

    Ingredients (dried)

    • Bearberry 15g
    • Corn silk 30g
    • Horsetail 15g
    • Hibiscus 15g
    • Calendula 15g
    • Juniper Berry 10g

    Method

    Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. Store the blend in a glass kilner or similar jar. To make the tea steep three heaped teaspoons of your blended herbs in hot water in a teapot for up to 15 minutes. Strain the infusion into your favourite mug and drink up to four times a day and enjoy the benefits of these delicious herbs.

  • References

    1. Egyptian Herbal Monograph Volume 3 Medicinal Plants Used in Egypt Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) 2023. Accessed June 11, 2024. https://www.1.gov.eg/media/krehbcjl/arctostaphylos-uva-ursi_1.pdf
    2. British Herbal Medicine Association. Scientific Committee. A Guide to Traditional Herbal Medicines : A Sourcebook of Accepted Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants within Europe. British Herbal Medicine Association; 2003.
    3. Wood M. The Earthwise Herbal : A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants. North Atlantic Books; 2003.
    4. Wilkins. J Bearberry. Accessed on 11.06.24. Accessed at HerbRally. https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/bearberry
    5. Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier; 2013.
    6. Fisher C. Materia Medica of Western Herbs. Aeon Books; 2018.
    7. Menzies- Trull C. Herbal Medicine Keys to Physiomedicalism Including Pharmacopoeia. Newcastle, Staffs. Faculty Of Physiomedical Herbal Medicine; 2003.
    8. Hedley C, Shaw N. Plant Medicine. Aeon Books; 2023.
    9. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi – Plant Finder. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279933&isprofile=0&#:~:text=Arctostaphylos%20uva%2Dursi%2C%20known%20by
    10. Mills SY. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Editorial: Penguin; 1993.
    11. Bernat. Uvae ursi folium (Bearberry leaf) – Online consultation. ESCOP. Published October 23, 2012. Accessed June 10, 2024. https://www.escop.com/uvae-ursi-folium-bearberry-leaf-online-consultation/
    12. Athens IB (National and KU of, Alena Dostalova (Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection CR, Flora)) AG (ZDSF (Zentrum des D der S, Viktor Melnyk (National Botanical Garden of Ukraine K, Antoaneta Petrova (Botanical Garden BA of S, Valerijus Rasomavicius (Institute of Botany NRC. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Published June 23, 2010. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/165148/5982337

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Ethnopharmacology: Where science and traditional wisdom meet

Aromatic
An ‘aromatic’ remedy, high in volatile essential oils, was most often associated with calming and sometimes ‘warming’ the digestion. Most kitchen spices and herbs have this quality: they were used both as flavouring and to ease the digestion of sometimes challenging pre-industrial foods. Many aromatics are classed as ‘carminatives’ and are used to reduce colic, bloating and agitated digestion.They also often feature in respiratory remedies for colds, chest and other airway infections. They are also classic calming inhalants and massage oils, and are the basis of aromatherapy for their mental benefits.
Astringent
The astringent taste you get with many plants (the most familiar is black tea after being stewed too long, or some red wines) is produced by complex polyphenols such as tannins. Tannins are used in concentrated form (eg from oak bark) to make leather from animal skins. The process of ‘tanning’ involves the coagulation of relatively fluid proteins in living tissues into tight clotted fibres (similar to the process of boiling an egg). Tannins in effect turn exposed surfaces on the body into leather. In the case of the lining of mouth and upper digestive tract this is only temporary as new mucosa are replenished, but in the meantime can calm inflamed or irritated surfaces. In the case of open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – when strong (as in the bark of broadleaved trees) they can seal a damaged surface.One group of tannins, the reddish-brown ‘condensed tannins’ are procyanidins, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Bitter
Bitters are a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth. They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. They were experienced as stimulating appetite and switching on a wide range of key digestive functions, including increasing bile clearance from the liver (as bile is a key factor in bowel health this can be translated into improving bowel functions and the microbiome). Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body.Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
Cooling
Traditional ‘cold’ or cooling’ remedies often contain bitter phytonutrients such a iridoids (gentian), sesiquterpenes (chamomile), anthraquinones (rhubarb root), mucilages (marshmallow), some alkaloids and flavonoids. They tend to influence the digestive system, liver and kidneys. Cooling herbs do just that; they diffuse, drain and clear heat from areas of inflammation, redness and irritation. Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
Hot
Traditional ‘hot’ or ‘heating’ remedies, often containing spice ingredients like capsaicin, the gingerols (ginger), piperine (black or long pepper), curcumin (turmeric) or the sulfurous isothiocyanates from mustard, horseradich or wasabi, generate warmth when taken. In modern times this might translate as thermogenic and circulatory stimulant effects. There is evidence of improved tissue blood flow with such remedies: this would lead to a reduction in build-up of metabolites and tissue damage.Heating remedies were used to counter the impact of cold, reducing any symptoms made worse in the cold..
Mucilaginous
Mucilages are complex carbohydrate based plant constituents with a slimy or ‘unctuous’ feel especially when chewed or macerated in water. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Nowadays they are used more for these effects on the digestive lining, from the throat to the stomach, where they can relieve irritation and inflammation such as pharyngitis and gastritis. Some of the prominent mucilaginous remedies like slippery elm, aloe vera and the seaweeds can be used as physical buffers to reduce the harm and pain caused by reflux of excess stomach acid.Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing. Here the effect seems to be by reflex through embryonic nerve connections: reduced signals from the upper digestive wall appear to translate as reduced activity of airway muscles and increased activity of airway mucus cells.Some seed mucilages, such as in psyllium seed, flaxseed (linseed) or guar bean survive digestion to provide bulking laxative effects in the bowel. These can also reduce rate of absorption of sugar and cholesterol..
Pungent
The pungent flavour refers to the powerful taste of hot spices including mustard (Brassica spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), chilli (Capsicum spp.), and garlic (Allium sativum). These herbs act to enliven and invigorate the senses, and they often also have heating qualities. Unlike other tastes, the effect is not linked to a specific receptor on the tongue and instead acts through direct irritation of tissues and nerve endings. Energetically, pungent herbs are known to disperse energy (qi) throughout the body. Pharmacologically, pungent herbs dry excess moisture and mucus, as well as stimulate digestion and metabolism.
Resinous
Resins are most familiar as tacky discharges from pine trees (and as the substance in amber, and rosin for violin bows). They were most valued however as the basis of ancient commodities like frankincense and myrrh (two of the three gifts of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus) and getting access to their source was one benefit to Solomon for marrying the Queen of Sheba (now Ethiopia). Resins were the original antiseptic remedies, ground and applied as powders or pastes to wounds or inflamed tissues, and were also used for mummification.With alcohol distillation it was found that they could be dissolved in 90% alcohol and in this form they remain a most powerful mouthwash and gargle, for infected sore throats and gum disease. They never attracted much early research interest because they permanently coat expensive glassware! For use in the mouth, gums and throat hey are best combined with concentrated licorice extracts to keep the resins in suspension and add extra soothing properties. It appears that they work both as local antiseptics and by stimulating white blood cell activity under the mucosal surface. They feel extremely effective!
Salty
The salty flavour is immediately distinctive. A grain dropped onto the tongue is instantly moistening and a sprinkle on food enkindles digestion. This easily recognisable flavour has its receptors right at the front of the tongue. The salty flavor creates moisture and heat, a sinking and heavy effect which is very grounding for the nervous system and encourages stability. People who are solid and reliable become known as ‘the salt of the earth'.
Sharpness
The sharp taste of some fruits, and almost all unripe fruits, as well as vinegar and fermented foods, is produced by weak acids (the taste is generated by H+ ions from acids stimulating the sour taste buds). Sour taste buds are hard-wired to generate immediate reflex responses elsewhere in the body. Anyone who likes the refreshing taste of lemon or other citrus in the morning will know that one reflex effect is increased saliva production.Other effects are subjective rather than confirmed by research but there is a consistent view that they include increased digestive activity and contraction of the gallbladder.
Sour
The sour taste occurs because of the stimulation of hydrogen ions which trigger the sour taste receptors on the tongue. The more acidic a substance, the more hydrogen ions will be released. The sour taste comes from acidic substances including citrus, fermented foods, tannins, and vinegars. Sour foods and herbs absorb excess moisture, whilst also increasing the production of saliva. Energetically, sour substances tonify the lungs, playing a role in disease prevention. Excessive use, however, can result in malabsorption of nutrients. Examples of sour herbs include, rosehips (Rosa canina), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
Sweet
In the days when most people never tasted sugar, ‘sweetness’ was associated with the taste of basic foods: that of cooked vegetables, cereals and meat. In other words sweet was the quality of nourishment, and ‘tonic’ remedies. Describing a remedy as sweet generally led to that remedy being used in convalescence or recovery from illness.Interestingly, the plant constituents most often found in classic tonics like licorice, ginseng are plant steroids including saponins, which also have a sweet taste.
Umami
The umami taste was originally discovered in 1985 in Japan and is directly translated from the Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’. It is referred to as the ‘fifth taste’ and is a salty, rich, and meaty flavour. The umami flavour is produced by amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) found in many food and plant sources including tomatoes, mushrooms, seaweeds and soy-based foods. Umami foods can improve nutritional absorption and digestion as there are also umami receptors in the gut as well as the mouth. Examples of umami herbs include green tea (Camellia sinensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), nettle (Urtica dioica), cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), shitake (Lentinula edodes) and bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

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