Manzanita is native to the Western United States. It is well known in these areas for treating urinary tract infections, poison oak and poison ivy, insect bites, and edema. It is also effectively used to reduce a heavy menses and help heal injured vaginal and cervical tissues postpartum. In the right doses, manzanita can also soothe nausea and help prevent stomach ulcers.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, manzanita is recognized as a Clear Heat and Toxins herb that supports Kidney and Bladder function.