Uva ursi's influence is most prominent in the genitourinary system and for this reason it has been used traditionally for calculi problems, inflammation in the kidney or bladder, and prostate problems. It is also used for diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, profuse menstruation, fevers, hemorrhoids, piles, rheumatism, gonorrhea, and for problems of the spleen, liver and pancreatic areas.

As a fragrant astringent and antiseptic, Uva ursi tones up relaxed mucosa, reducing excessive discharges, especially related to bacterial infections. Even though its center of gravity is in the urinary/genital area, it also can have action up as high as the mucosa of the throat and down into the intestines. Over-consumption of uva ursi can cause a harmless greening of the urine.

Orally,'uva'ursi'is'used'for'urinary'tract'infections'(UTIs),'inflammatory'conditions' of'the'efferent'urinary'tract,'cystitis,'urethritis,'diuresis,'constipation,'lithuria,' dysuria,'acidic'urine,'pyelonephritis,'benign'prostatic'hyperplasia'(BPH),'and' bronchitis.