Trailing Arbutus
OTHER NAME(S): Fleur de Mai, Gravel Plant, Ground Laurel, Mountain Pink, Water Pink, Winter Pink, Epigaea repens, Epigaea Repens, Épigée Rampante
Overview
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.
Trailing arbutus contains ingredients that are thought to help kill germs in the urine.
Trailing arbutus contains ingredients that are thought to help kill germs in the urine.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- 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.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Trailing Arbutus overview.
Dosing
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.
References
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.