(vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry is a member of the same family as bilberry and blueberry. It is from North America and grows in bogs. The ripe fruit is used medicinally.
In traditional North American herbalism, cranberry has been used to prevent kidney stones and “bladder gravel” as well as to remove toxins from the blood. Cranberry has long been recommended by herbalists as well as doctors to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What it does
Cranberry contains D-mannose, hippuric acid, Vitamin C and proanthocyandidins which have the ability to inhibit bacteria such as such as streptococcus and E coli in the urinary tract. The proanthocyanidins prevent the bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder, kidneys and ureters, whereas hippuric acid is thought to destroy the bacteria.
Potential Uses
| Cystitis | Urinary tract infections |
Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.
Some of the potential health benefits of cranberries include:
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cranberries contain compounds that can help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract, which can reduce the risk of UTIs.
- Improved heart health: Cranberries have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Reduced risk of cancer: Cranberries contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer effects.
- Boosted immune system: Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
- Improved oral health: Cranberries can help to prevent cavities and gum disease.
How Cranberries are Used in Medicine
Cranberries are used in medicine to treat and prevent a variety of conditions, including:
- Urinary tract infections
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Immune system problems
- Oral health problems
Cranberries are available in a variety of forms, including fresh, dried, frozen, and juiced. They can also be found in capsules, tablets, and extracts.
Examples of Cranberry Medicines
There are a number of different cranberry medicines available on the market. Some popular brands include:
- Cranberry Extract
- Cranberry Juice Concentrate
- Cranberry Capsules
- Cranberry Tablets
Natural Remedies Using Cranberries
Here are a few helpful recipes for using cranberries at home:
- Cranberry juice: Combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1 cup of water in a blender. Blend until smooth and strain the juice into a glass. Enjoy!
- Cranberry sauce: Combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. Enjoy!
- Cranberry smoothie: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 banana, 1 cup of yogurt, and 1/2 cup of milk to a blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy!
Conclusion
Cranberries are a superfood with a wide range of health benefits. They are a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of UTIs, improve heart health, reduce the risk of cancer, boost the immune system, and improve oral health.
If you are considering using cranberries, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Cranberries may interact with certain medications, so it is important to make sure that they are safe for you to take.
Other information
Cranberry is very useful for preventing cystitis and keeping the urinary tract free from infections. Cranberry can be taken as a juice, but beware of commercial brands that contain sugar or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. Bacteria feed on sugar and artificial sweeteners are disruptive to blood sugar levels.
Cranberry tablets are stronger than juices and provide better protection against infection.
Cautions
Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using cranberry.
At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with cranberry.
