fig. 28 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Uva Ursi

(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

A low, trailing evergreen of northern heaths and mountain slopes, its small leathery leaves bearing bright red berries beloved by bears. Uva Ursi — quite literally bear's grape — carries a dry, earthy, faintly astringent character with a grounded woodland depth. Long honored among the sacred smoking herbs of Indigenous peoples, it brings a smooth, mellow, earthy foundation to ceremonial blends, anchoring brighter herbs with quiet, woodland reverence.

across time

Tradition & Ritual

Known to many First Nations and Indigenous peoples of North America as kinnikinnick, Uva Ursi was a foundational herb of sacred ceremonial blends, mixed with other plants and offered in pipe rituals of prayer and connection. Its dried leaves were carried with reverence, smoked in moments of council and communion — a humble, grounding plant woven deep into ceremony.

what it offers

Scientific & Medicine

Containing the astringent compound arbutin and tannins, Uva Ursi has long been traditionally associated with supporting the urinary tract and toning the tissues. Herbalists value it as a drying, astringent ally. In a blend it offers a smooth, mild, earthy base note with little harshness — a mellow woodland foundation that carries and softens the more aromatic herbs around it.

the old stories

Legends & Myths

The bears who feast on its scarlet berries gave the plant both its Latin and common names, and folklore long linked it to the wisdom and strength of the bear. Northern peoples told that the plant shared in the bear's grounded, enduring spirit, and to carry kinnikinnick was, in old belief, to carry a measure of that quiet woodland power.

from the bear

Bear Originals

Bearberry — how could I not love it? The bear's own grape, the bear's own herb. I build many of my grounding blends on its smooth, earthy base. It carries everything else gently, the way the woods hold you without asking anything in return.

Cautions & Contraindications

For short-term use only. Avoid during pregnancy, nursing, and with kidney conditions; prolonged use is not advised due to tannin content.

fig. 28 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Botanical plate of Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

in the apothecary

Products w/ Uva Ursi

Kin Nik Nik Herbal Ceremonial Blend

The Kin Nik Nik blend is peaceful and cerebral, with a hint of lavender. Intended to help...

$15.95

Kin Nik Nik Rolliez

The Kin Nik Nik blend is peaceful and cerebral, with a hint of lavender. Intended to help...

$22.95

Kin Nik Nik Liquid Herbz (Cherry)

Cherry Flavored Liquid Each bottle comes with 30 milliliters of Kin Nik Nik Liquid Herbz....

$19.95

Kin Nik Nik Herbal Chew

The Kin Nik Nik blend is peaceful and cerebral, with a hint of lavender. Intended to help...

$11.95

Shaman Herbal Cigarettes

Each tin comes with 10 Shaman Cigarettes, which contains 30% hemp flower.Shaman is an arom...

$19.95

Kin Nik Nik Herbal Cigarettes

Experience the familiar ritual of smoking, completely reimagined. Kin Nik Nik is a smooth,...

$15.95

Bear Blend Kin Nik Nik Herbal Diffuser — 2ml Disposable (Cherry)

A prefilled 2 mL disposable diffuser featuring the Kin Nik Nik blend — a smooth, aromatic...

$16.95

Bear Blend Kin Nik Nik Herbal Diffuser Cartridge — 1ml (Cherry)

A 1 mL refillable 510-thread diffuser cartridge featuring the Kin Nik Nik blend — a smooth...

$11.95

Tube of Two Kin Nik Nik Rolliez

The Kin Nik Nik blend is peaceful and cerebral, with a hint of lavender. Intended to help...

$7.95

Uva Ursi (Kinnikinnick) — Smokable Herbs

Kinnikinnick (from the Unami for "smoking mixture") is a the common name of Uva Ursi or Be...

$24.45

Herbal Cigars

About This Product One Herbal Cigar made with an XL 3g King Palm Preroll with our propriet...

$7.95

Uva Ursi (Kinnikinnick) — Smokable Herbs

Kinnikinnick (from the Unami for "smoking mixture") is a the common name of Uva Ursi or Be...

$9.95

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