Cranberry

Species Name: vaccinium macrocarpon: Known as the herb for urinary tract infection, cranberries, cranberry juice, cranberry extract, capsules, cranberry juice concentrate, extract fortified with Ester-C, can be the ticket to maintaining urinary tract health.

Other Names Known as:  Eastern Indians called them "sassamanesh." Cape Cod Pequots and the South Jersey Leni-Lenape tribes named them "ibimi," or bitter berry.

The Algonquins of Wisconsin called the fruit "atoqua." German and Dutch settlers came up with the name "crane berry," because the vine blossoms resemble the neck, head, and bill of a crane, that is how we got the cranberry’s name.

What is Cranberry? Cranberries are actually a fruit, but are unlike any other fruit in the world. Across America, the cranberry plays a role in holiday culture and family health. Known for its unique health benefits, and refreshing, tart taste, cranberries are  healthy refreshment.

Home Remedies using Cranberry:

Benefits of Cranberry:

At an early stage in their development, while the cranberry is still green, it produces a certain class of molecules known as flavonoids, substances that have been investigated for their nutritional benefits and antibacterial activity.

Studies have shown that the particular flavonoids produced by the cranberry have a strong antibacterial effect, and are particularly effective in any urinary tract related infection or condition, including incontinence.

Uses of Cranberry:

Cranberries are known as effective home remedies for urinary tract infections, as anti-adherence remedies to prevent the E. Coli bacteria from attaching to the lining of the bladder, and to relieve the pain associated with UTI’s, kidney stones, relieve cramps and spasms in the urinary tract, and help alleviate the unpleasant smell of urine, and inhibit the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are caused by disease, infections, or mineral excretion problems. While kidney stones are more common in males, urinary tract infections are more prevalent in females.

More than 60 percent of women experience a urinary tract infection at sometime, and for many, infection is a chronic problem. These infections are caused when bacteria get into the urinary tract. Once there, they thrive in the warm, moist environment. Eventually, they begin to affect urine production and the function of the bladder, resulting in significant pain, and can lead to life threatening conditions. Recent studies have shown that cranberry juice helps fight urinary tract infections.

Cranberry treatments come in capsulated form, a concentrated extract formula that is often fortified with Ester-C, juices come in concentrates, juice blends, extracts, and tinctures, which can be sweetened or unsweetened.

Cranberry treatments have also been effective in controlling auto-immune diseases, cancer, Cold Sores, bed wetting and tooth decay.

Side Effects of Cranberry:

Currently, there are no known side effects.