Cranberry

Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. The berries are used in foods and in herbal products. Historically cranberry fruits and leaves were used to treat urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach aliments and liver problems. Recently cranberry has been used as a traditional remedy for urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcer or prevent dental plaque. It is believed that some of the chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract where they can multiply. Cranberry, however, does not seem to have the ability to release bacteria which are already stuck to these cells. This may explain why cranberry is possibly effective in preventing urinary tract infections, but possibly ineffective in treating them. 

Effective for: 

• Recurrent bladder infections
• Deter kidney stone formation 
• Stomach aliments 
• Prevent dental plaque 

Supplements: 

If taking cranberry juice only unsweetened juice is recommended. Cranberry extract is also available in form of pills. 

Recommended Dose: 

6000-9000 mg of cranberry extract 

Side effects and precautions: 

Drinking cranberry juice products appears to be safe, although excessive amounts could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.