In this short episode I clarify some thoughts on Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and whether you need to alkalinize urine for it to “work.”

Uva ursi is a classic go-to for cystitis because it contains arbutin, which the body metabolizes to hydroquinone, a compound that shows antimicrobial activity in vitro. That’s the theory. In my opinion, focusing solely on arbutin is reductionistic. The leaves also contains tannins, flavonoids and other constituents that may be helpful. In addition, information on urinary alkalization and uva ursi is theoretical - meaning it has not been tested or demonstrated in humans, and the historical use of the plant is as a cold infusion or short hot steep, not with baking soda.

There’s no clear human evidence that alkalinizing urine improves outcomes with Uva ursi. Also, adding baking soda is not physiologically neutral (it’s a lot of sodium and may be risky for some clients), and many uropathogens like E. coli actually grow better in alkaline urine, so alkalinizing could theoretically make things worse if the herb dose or metabolism isn’t sufficient. A small study that actually is in humans (Siegers et al., 2003) suggests that uropathogenic bacteria can deconjugate the hydroquinone themselves, which would make urine pH less relevant.

Ultimately, I think uva ursi can be a useful part of an herbal approach to lower urinary tract symptoms, prepared traditionally (cold infusion or short steep). Don’t assume it’s the only tool, and don’t automatically add baking soda just because you’ve heard that tip. It helps sometimes, for some people, and not all the time for all people. As always, if symptoms don’t improve within 24–48 hours or they worsen, refer for medical care. 

You can sign up to catch the recording of the full UTI training for practitioners [https://academy.camillefreeman.com/courses/urinary-tract-infections] mentioned in this episode. 

Resources to Explore
 * Quintus, J., Kovar, K. A., Link, P., & Hamacher, H. (2005). Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts. Planta medica, 71(2), 147–152. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2005-837782 (there is substantial individual variation in metabolism and quantities of metabolites excreted) 
 * Siegers, C., Bodinet, C., Ali, S. S., & Siegers, C. P. (2003). Bacterial deconjugation of arbutin by Escherichia coli. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 10 Suppl 4, 58–60. https://doi.org/10.1078/1433-187x-00301 (E. coli can take up conjugated hydroquinone) 
 * de Arriba, S. G., Naser, B., & Nolte, K. U. (2013). Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. International journal of toxicology, 32(6), 442–453. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813507721 (unrelated to this episode, but interesting notes re: safety of uva ursi) 

101 | Uva Ursi and Baking Soda

In this episode, I break down practical strategies for dosing compounded liquid extracts and tinctures, explaining how to convert herb grams to milliliters using ratios (e.g., 1:5), estimating effective dose ranges, and weighing factors like client sensitivity, alcohol exposure, cost, and strength of the formula.

We'll briefly discuss alternatives: infusions, decoctions, and other ways to be more cost effective. 

100 | Thoughts on dosing herbal extracts

In this short episode of In the Clinic with Camille, I’m sharing a simple idea that guides how I think about marketing and promoting a 1:1 practice: treat other people the way you want to be treated. When it comes to newsletters, social media, and outreach, it can be tempting to automate everything or follow tactics that promise maximum reach. I talk about why that doesn't tend to work. 

I invite you to instead think about how you prefer to find a practitioner for yourself or someone you care about. What actually helps you feel connected, seen, and confident in someone’s work? My experience is that an interesting but imperfect piece of content or meeting someone individually is far more useful than blasting generic content everywhere. 

 

99 | The golden rule in marketing

Camille interviews artist Julia Orquera Bianco and herbalist Megan Henshaw about their collaborative zine that celebrates seven medicinal plants from the Ohio River Valley.

They discuss the creative process, research at the Lloyd Library, connections with United Plant Savers, and how the project blends botanical art, conservation, and practical herbal knowledge.

Join us to hear about plant cultivation, harvesting, medicine-making, and how the zine came into being. 

Episode Links
 * Meghan's website: Ocotillo Herbals (zine available here) [http://ocotilloherbals.com]
 * Q'Enti website: purchase the zine and other art from people indigenous to S. America [http://mundoqenti.com]
 * Julia's website: more art! [http://juliaobianco.com]
 * Lloyd Library in Cincinnati [https://lloydlibrary.org/] 
 * United Plant Savers Deep Ecology Fellowship [https://unitedplantsavers.org/deep-ecology-artists-fellowship/]

 

98 | Creating an Herbal Zine

If you read monographs of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), you'll often see a note about how the plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron. In this episode, I share some research I came across recently suggesting that a typical water infusion of the calyces (about 12 g) yields only ~1.25 mg iron and of that roughly 30% is extractable (0.375 mg), leading to the conclusion that hibiscus is not a substantial source of dietary iron.

It's still a lovely herb for so many other reasons, but it's probably for the best if we don't imply that it's a good source of iron!

Resources
 * Oyewole, A. O., & Diosady, L. L. (2023). Evaluating the potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage to address the prevalence of iron deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10652170/] Lebensmittel-Wissenschaft + [i.e. und] Technologie. Food science + technology. Science + technologie alimentaire, 188, 115433. 
 * It's not too late to join Herbs for Nutritionists: Immune and Cardiovascular Support [https://www.camillefreeman.com/herbs102/] to learn more about hibiscus and 15 other herbs that can easily be added to a nutrition practice. 16 NPCE available. 

97 | Is hibiscus high in iron?

In this episode of In the Clinic with Camille, I share some follow-up thoughts from my recent supplement deep dive class, focusing on smarter supplementing. We explore the broad definition of supplements in the U.S., including vitamins, minerals, herbs, and protein products, and discuss the challenges around recommending supplements for long-term disease prevention. I clarify how taking isolated nutrients differs from consuming whole herbs or foods, and why it’s important to be thoughtful about what we recommend to clients, especially when evidence for long-term benefits is limited.

If you’re curious about supplements and want to dig deeper, it’s not too late to join the 2026 Supplement Deep Dive. Thanks for listening 💚

Resources
 * 2026 Supplement Deep Dive [https://www.camillefreeman.com/supplements] ($350)
 * January Deep Dive Class: Smarter Supplementing [https://academy.camillefreeman.com/courses/smartersupplements] ($45; included in full deep dive) 
 * February Deep Dive Class: Supplements to Support Athletic Performance with Jaclyn Sklaver [https://academy.camillefreeman.com/courses/supplements-for-fitness] ($45; included in full deep dive) 

96 | Smarter Supplementing: Herbs, Isolates, and Long‑Term Thinking

In this episode, I’m talking about a feeling many of us face: the pressure to finish every course or program we’ve signed up for. I was sorting through my own list of courses and realized it’s totally okay to get what you need from part of a program and then move on. You don’t have to complete everything just because you once signed up.

If you’re like me and sometimes feel overwhelmed by your “to-learn” list, this episode is for you. We chat about how professional learning can be more like a buffet: pick what serves you right now and save the rest for later.

Here's to taking what works into 2026 and leaving the rest behind 🎉

Links
 * 2026 Supplement Deep Dive [https://www.camillefreeman.com/supplementsoon/]
 * Professional Development Planning & Tracking Workshop [https://www.camillefreeman.com/2025/12/professionaldevelopment/] (free if you share the workshop; $25 otherwise) 

95 | No Need to Feel Guilty About Unfinished Courses

In this episode, you'll hear Maria Noël Groves discuss her new book, Herbal Gut Health [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/maria-noel-groves/herbal-gut-health/9781668654767/], which explores digestive function and challenges as well as herbs/lifestyle strategies to restore function. 

We talk about why teas are especially useful for GI support, when to refer clients for medical care, and where to find Maria’s classes and resources at wintergreenbotanicals.com. I highly recommend the book, as it's a concise, practitioner-friendly overview of botanicals and approaches to common and complex gut issues.

Links
 * Wintergreen Botanicals [https://wintergreenbotanicals.com/] for Maria's upcoming classes and workshops. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter while you're there!
 * Purchase Herbal Gut Health [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/maria-noel-groves/herbal-gut-health/9781668654767/]
 * Follow Maria on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/marianoelgroves/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WintergreenBotanicals/], or YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/marianoelgroves]

94 | Herbal Gut Health with Maria Noel Groves

Let's talk about dietary fiber in plain terms: the difference between soluble (fermentable) and insoluble fibers, how soluble fiber feeds gut microbes to produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids, and why insoluble fiber adds bulk to ease transit. We'll also briefly discuss how FOS/GOS and inulin fit into the picture. 

Practical takeaways include aiming for about 25–30+ g/day from whole plant foods, using psyllium as a balanced supplement option, increasing fiber slowly to avoid discomfort, and seeking specialized care for those with GI conditions, since more fiber isn't appropriate for everyone.

Resources
 * The Gut/Brain/Immune System and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners class [https://academy.camillefreeman.com/courses/immune-gut-nervous-system-connections] mentioned in this episode
 * The 2026 Supplement Deep Dive Wait List [https://www.camillefreeman.com/supplementsoon/]

 

93 | Fiber Fundamentals: Soluble vs Insoluble and the Gut Microbiome

This episode builds on the newsletter I sent out last week [https://www.camillefreeman.com/2025/10/revenue-ups-and-downs/] and a lot of conversations I’ve been having with other small business owners. If your revenue is down this year, you're not alone. I talk about practical, accessible steps you can take when business slows.

What I cover
 * The normal ups and downs of running a small business. Growth every year is not the realistic baseline.
 * Don’t assume a down year means you’re doomed. You need a different strategy, not resignation.
 * Start with the basics: get a clear marketing plan, show up consistently, and take excellent care of the clients you already have.
 * If you’ve fallen off your marketing routine, restart the simple things you know how to do.
 * If your current plan is not working, get curious rather than hard on yourself. You probably need new skills or support.
 * Use resources you already own first: courses, books, freebies you purchased but never used. Try one and follow it through.
 * Ask your community what has helped them. There are many free or low-cost tools and approaches that move the needle.
 * Foundations first: just like health care, make sure the basics are in place before getting fancy. For marketing that means steady ways to meet people, stay in touch, invite them to work with you, and deliver a great client experience.
 * Be willing to try things. Some will work, some will not. Learn and iterate.
 * If needed, take practical measures like getting other income temporarily. That is okay.

Resources mentioned
 * My practitioner newsletter: https://www.camillefreeman.com/newsletter 
 * My book on newsletters: Write Better Newsletters [https://www.writebetterletters.com]

Want help? If you have a specific situation you want me to talk through, send a short summary and I may address it in a future episode.

Thanks for listening. Take care and talk soon.

92 | Revenue is down. What now?

Short clinical tidbits for practitioners with clinical herbalist and nutritionist Camille Freeman.

Camille Freeman

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