by DaySounds © 2013-17
Kinnikinnick/Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
good source of vitamins. The fleshly leaves can be eaten raw, boiled, or used to make a
tea. They contain vitamins and minerals, with a high concentration of iron (even more
so the roots; however, unless there is a real survival situation, we discourage their use
because that would hurt or kill the plant, depending on the amount). It has astringent,
diuretic, and antiseptic properties. A tea made with the leaves can be drunk to help clean
the mouth, throat, body filters such as kidneys, and the urinary tract in general. A good
way to use the tea would be: to rinse the mouth with it, gargle, and swallow it--repeating
the process until the cup is empty. In addition to that, a poultice made with the leaves can
be used to help external sores heal.
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Estes Park, CO 80517
USA