Shrub leaves are used. It contains arbutoside or arbutin as an active substance, also, tannins, flavonoids, ursolic acid and hydroquinone. The Commission E of German Ministry of Health approves it as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory medicament for the urinary tract. As a diuretic drug it may decrease breast milk production. When took in high amount it can irritate the uterus and hydroquinone may be toxic for the liver.