Trailing Arbutus vs Blumea balsamifera

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Trailing Arbutus

Epigaea repens

Urinary

Urinary

Trailing Arbutus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Blumea balsamifera

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Low creeping evergreen of North American woodlands; flowers are the state flower of Massachusetts; used by Indigenous peoples for kidney conditions.

Philippine medicinal plant used for kidney stones and urinary conditions; approved Philippine traditional medicine.

Active Compounds

arbutin, tannins, flavonoids, formic acid

borneol, camphor, blumealin, 5-hydroxy-7,3,4-trimethoxyflavone, dihydroflavones

Traditional Uses

Kidney and bladder conditions, Urinary tract infections, Uterine conditions, Used by Iroquois and Potawatomi peoples

kidney stones, urinary tract infections, edema, rheumatism, wound healing

Modern Uses

Urinary antiseptic via arbutin, Diuretic, Astringent

lithotriptic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal

Adult Dosage

2–3 g dried leaves as tea; 1–2 mL tincture

500mg standardized extract 3x daily or 3-6g leaf tea

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Prolonged use

pregnancy, children under 2

Side Effects

GI irritation with prolonged use, Green discoloration of urine

generally well tolerated, GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E