herbs - Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

What is it?

Cranberry is native to North America and is eaten as a fruit or drunk as a juice. The North Americans Indians have used the berries as food and medicine for centuries.

Action

Cranberry contains vitamin C, hippuric acid and proanthocyanidins which have some anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. The proanthocyanidins have the ability to prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder, kidneys and urinary tract, whereas hippuric acid is thought to destroy bacteria. 

Uses

Our experts recommend Cranberry for the following disorders:

• Cystitis

Other information

Cranberry is a very useful herb at preventing Cystitis and keeping the urinary tract free from bacteria. It can be taken as a juice (ideally use a brand with no added sugar) and if diluted 50/50 with water can be used, both as a treatment during an attack of Cystitis or long term protection against it. Alternatively, Cranberry tablets or capsules can be used, which are much stronger and if good quality should be free from any sugar (bacteria feed on sugar) and contain additional vitamin C.

Cranberry can be used in tincture form for children aged above 3 years of age. Herb tincture dosage is lower than adult levels. A simple guide for children is one drop per stone of weight.

Cautions

• There are no side effects or contra-indications from using Cranberry supplements or Cranberry juice. They are also regarded as safe for use during pregnancy and breast feeding.



• Advice – If you already have an acute urinary tract infection and you have had it for several weeks, you should seek medical advice straight away.



• When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with Cranberry.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.