Manzanita

Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos patula, A. mewukka

This beautiful shrub/tree native to the Western United States, especially California, used as a medicine to heal poison oak, nausea, and stomach ulcers, has small red berries that are edible and have long been used by Native Americans as a food.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – How To Use Manzanita to Cure Poison Oak…

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of manzanita, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of manzanita.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Berry, Leaf (both green and grey varietals), Flower, Bark

Flavors/Temps: Berry – Sour, Slightly Sweet. Leaf – Slightly Bitter, Astringent, Cold, Dry.

Caution: Considered safe, it is not recommended during pregnancy and overuse can cause stomach upset, due to high tannin levels.

Key Constituents: Tannins, Arbutins, Hydroquinone-glycosides, Ursolic acid, Allantoin, Ellagic acid, Quercetin, Vitamin C

History/Folklore: The name Manzanita derives from the Spanish for “little apple.” It was used as early as the 13th century by Native Americans for food and as tobacco. They also made cider from the fresh berries. The berries are edible, the leaves are used to treat urinary tract infections, and the green bark is used to treat nausea. The green bark lies just below the outer red bark of the branches. The tannins found in the green bark help kill microbes that can cause gastrointestinal distress.

The bark helps to kill H. pylori, the microbe associated with stomach ulcers. Too much bark tea can also upset the stomach, be sure to use recommended doses and not take the tea for more than 2 to 3 days.

Compounds found in the green bark also help to treat dermatitis, poison oak and ivy, as well as insect bites.

The edible berries are high in vitamin C and contain 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranates.

Chewing the leaves of a manzanita tree into a poultice can treat open sores and ease headaches. Chewing on the leaves without swallowing them can also help to ease stomach cramping.

Manzanita contains arbutin, a compound known for converting to hydroquinone that can help counter urinary tract infections, by rebalancing pH and fighting bacterial infections. The leaves are also high in tannins that help tone skin, tissues, and help prevent recurring infections. The leaves are vasoconstricting and helpful for treating heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum, to help tone injured vaginal and cervical tissues. A douche made from the leaves will also help rebalance vaginal pH.

The bark is very difficult to cure, so it is seldom used as timber. Some furniture will use whole branches to prevent cracking and preserve its deep red color. The dead wood decays slowly and can last for many years, both on and off the plant.

Branches are often used as perches for pet parrots and other large birds due to their shape, resilience, and nontoxicity. Unlike other woods, manzanita does not leach out tannins in water, which makes it a popular decorative wood for aquariums.

Mananita is an excellent wood to burn as it retains heat for long periods, but be aware, it burns so hot that it can crack stoves and thin-walled barbecues. The wood adds flavor to smoking foods and BBQ. Manzanita is one of the most dense woods in the world.

Some manzanita species are very rare, such as the San Francisco Presidio Manzanita, that only grows in the area’s Presidio park.

Manzanita is related to heather (Family: Ericaceae), cranberry and is very similar to bearberry (aka Uva Ursi/Archtostaphylos uva-ursi). Bearberry and manzanita are considered by many to be almost interchangeable. Similar to bearberry, bears love manzanita berries too!