The Manzanita shrub grows wild in California and in the Western United States, Canada, and Mexico. With bright red and green bark (the green bark is used) that has many medicinal uses that are wonderful for good health, and the leaves and berries can also be used.
Nausea and Vomiting – Manzanita Bark makes a great tea that contains tannins that kills microbes causing GI distress and has anti-inflammatory qualities.
Gastric Ulcers – Manzanita Bark kills microbes such as H. pylori that many times causes ulcers. But don’t drink too much because the astringent tannins can cause upset stomaches too if you drink too much, but other than that there are no other side effects.
Urinary Tract Infections – Because of the tannin activity of Manzanita Bark tea it can calm down bladder infections, and kill microbes that cause prostate infection, bladder infections, and urethritis.
Allergies – Chemical compounds found in the green bark can help medications for contact dermatitis work even more effectively. And the tea can also be used for treating poison oak irritation by applying topically and letting it dry… works because the tea is very astringent and helps to calm irritation.
Making Tea – The bark comes off naturally and the red bark must be removed from the green bark that contains all the important tannins. Then soak the green bark in water over night… then make tea with the water.
Edible – Manzanita grows little apple fruits that can be dried and used as a survival food. Also the fruits can be made into jam and jellies for future use. And the berries can be made into cider and Native Americans use the leaves as a substitute for toothbrushes. And the berries are up to 3 times higher in antioxidants than other berries such as blueberries.
Juice – Manzanita berries can be ground and then made into juice, just make sure to filter it through a coffee filter to get all the fine particles out. The juice is high in Vitamin C that helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and cancer. And it also contains potassium which helps with water regulation and cardiovascular health.
Contains – Manzanita contains arbutin which breaks down into powerful healing compounds such as hydroquinone sulphate which is a powerful antimicrobial compound.
Remember – Manzanita is protected in many areas so check with local laws before using Manzanita Bark or berries.
This article is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time. Also check out Dr. Haider’s radio show at http://www.thesourcecenterradio.com/The-Relaxed-Soul.html Nov. show to be about “A New Way of Learning”
Dr. Paul Haider, Master Herbalist, HH, USA, Manzanita Shrub, Bark, Tea, Berries, GI Distress, Urinary Tract Infections, Inflammation, Edible, Juice, Arbutin, Allergies, Ulcers, Nausea, Vomiting,