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Cranberry
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| Parts
Used The ripe fruit |
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| Common
Uses Prevention and treatment of
urinary tract infections |
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How
Cranberry Works
A large percentage of urinary tract
infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia Coli, that most of us
know as E Coli. For an infection to develop the bacteria must stick to
the cells lining the wall of bladder. Cranberry prevents E Coli from
sticking and an infection is therefore less likely to occur. |
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Suggested
Use
One capsule (300-400 mg) should be taken
morning and night. Be sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the
day. A quality cranberry juice is also a good idea, but be sure to read
the label carefully first - you want to be drinking cranberry juice not
sugar! |
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| Side
Effects There are no known side effects. |
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Safety
Issues
There are no contraindications to taking
cranberry while you are pregnant or lactating. There are no known
interactions with antibiotics or other drugs. |
| It should be noted
however that in the case of an acute urinary tract infection, cranberry
is not a substitute for antibiotics. |
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The
History of Cranberry
Native Americans first introduced the
cranberry to the pilgrims. It was used then, both as a food and for
medicinal purposes to prevent kidney stones and to cleanse the blood. |
| The beginning of
this century saw the first research into cranberry as a preventative and
cure for urinary tract infections. It has not looked back since. |
