Also known as Uva-Ursi or Clasius, Bearberry has been an herb well-known for its medicinal uses as far back as the 13th century. Marco Polo even spoke of it, reporting that the Chinese were using it as a diuretic to treat kidney and urinary problems. Native Americans were also known to use Bearberry with tobacco and other herbs in religious ceremonies. In this circumstance it was utilized as a smudge or smoked in a pipe, with the smoke of the burned herbs carrying the smoker`s prayers. Elsewhere, the Cheyenne were also said to have found use for it in treating back sprains, while other tribes found that it was of benefit when applied to sores. European settlers often used it as well, seeking it as a treatment for diseases of the urinary system. Bearberry is still frequently looked to in modern holistic medicine for many of these same purposes that were known of old. Most commonly it is now used in treating diseases of the bladder, particularly those involving inflammation. Some herbalists also consider it of use as a weight-loss aid, and a great aid in helping infections heal. This is a 1lb bag of whole Bearberry.