Description: Cranberries are a rare fruit. They can only survive and grow in a special combination of conditions: they need acid peat soil, adequate fresh water supply, and sand. Also, they need a long chilling period during winter to allow them to mature their fruiting buds.
Properties and uses
Anti-oxidant. Anti-bilious. Anti-putrid. Laxative. Refrigerant. Sub-astringent. Vasodilator. It is indicated for: Candida and other bacterial diseases, diarrhea, dropsy and fevers, scurvy and stomach ulcers, bladder and urethra infections (UTIs), urolithiasis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is amazing to me how even the most common plants can have such beneficial properties.
Let’s take the cranberry as an example. It is a common Thanksgiving staple, appearing on almost every American table. Its role in Native American medicine was to draw poison from an arrow wound, to calm nerves and even as dye. I have used cranberry juice for bladder and urinary tract infections for over 30 years. It is still a strange thing how quickly the medical profession will dismiss this common treatment that has been around for centuries.
Cranberry Juice
Recent studies have shown that cranberry juice can be used to treat such infections. It prevents bacteria from attaching on the walls of the bladder. The antioxidant and anti-tumor properties of flavonoids in cranberry may help protect against heart disease and certain forms of cancer. Early intervention is key, as with all herbal remedies.
Cranberry should only be taken if there are any signs of a growing infection (such as a strong urge to urinate or a burning sensation in the bladder or urethra when urinating). Cranberry can also be consumed in juice form by diluting cranberry concentrate and water. If you are only going to drink cranberry juice, be sure to read the label.
Good to know
Many cranberry cocktails do not contain any cranberry juice. Because of its strong flavor, cranberry juice should be diluted. However, it is important to find a juice that contains at least 20% cranberry. Drink 3 to 4 (8 oz) ounces of cranberry juice at the first sign of urinary issues. Drink three to four (8) ounces of cranberry juice each day until you feel better. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen.
An antibiotic may be necessary to control the infection. Even if an antibiotic was necessary, I recommend that you continue with the cranberry extract. It is effective in relieving the pain associated with these infections. Many Doctors are concerned about over-prescribing antibiotics. Cranberry juice can be used in the early stages to relieve bladder and urinary infections. For medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, and support, consult your qualified health-care professional.
