Cranberry

Cranberry

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Latin name: Vaccinium macrocarpon

A Remedy For

• Urinary tract infections

Cranberry has long been recommended as a preventive measure against repeated urinary tract infections. It is also taken to prevent kidney stones and "bladder gravel."

What It Is; Why It Works
Cranberry prevents E. coli--the most common cause of urinary tract infections--from adhering to the wall of the bladder, making it difficult for infection to take hold. It will not, however, kill the bacteria once they're established.
Native to North America, the plant is cultivated in Cranberry bogs throughout New England and elsewhere. The medicinal part is the ripe fruit.

Avoid If...
No known medical conditions preclude the use of Cranberry.

Special Cautions
Remember that Cranberry will not cure an active urinary tract infection. For this, you need a course of antibiotics.

Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.

Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Cranberry is considered safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

How To Prepare
You can take concentrated tablets and capsules, or Cranberry juice. If taking the juice, choose pure, high-quality products, not Cranberry cocktail.

Typical Dosage
Capsule or tablet: 1 pill 2 to 4 times per day
Juice: 16 ounces (2 cups) per day
Since potency of tablets and capsules may vary, follow the manufacturer's directions whenever available.

Overdosage
No information is available.