Trailing arbutus is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
People take trailing arbutus to treat urinary tract conditions and fluid retention. They also take it as a drying agent (astringent).
Trailing arbutus is sometimes called gravel plant. Be careful not to confuse it with another plant called gravel root.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Urinary tract conditions.
- Fluid retention.
- As a drying agent (astringent).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of trailing arbutus for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Trailing arbutus contains ingredients that are thought to help kill germs in the urine.
Trailing arbutus seems to be safe when used short-term. However, long-term use can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include ringing in the ears, vomiting, confusion, convulsions, and collapse. Trailing arbutus may also cause liver damage, weight loss, weakness, loss of hair color, bloody urine, difficulty with urination, and painful urination.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of trailing arbutus during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It is not known if Trailing Arbutus interacts with any medicines. Before taking Trailing Arbutus, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The appropriate dose of trailing arbutus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for trailing arbutus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Epigaea repens, Épigée Rampante, Fleur de Mai, Gravel Plant, Ground Laurel, Mountain Pink, Water Pink, Winter Pink.
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