herb data, Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Oxycoccus quadripetalus, holisticonline.com

**Herb Information**
Name: Cranberry
Biological Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon, Oxycoccus quadripetalus Ericaceae
Other Names: Cranberry
Parts Used: Juice from the berries
Active Compounds: Cranberry prevents E. coli, the most common cause of Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and recurrent UTIs, from adhering to the cells lining the wall of the bladder. This anti-adherence action renders the bacteria harmless in the urinary tract. The constituents in cranberry responsible for this anti-adherence activity have yet to be identified.
History: Cranberry has been used to prevent kidney stones and "bladder gravel" as well as to remove toxins from the blood. Cranberry has long been recommended for persons with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Remedies For: Useful for the treatment of: Urinary tract infection
Dosage: People often take one capsule or tablet of a concentrated cranberry juice extract two to four times per day. Several glasses (16 ounces total) of a high-quality cranberry juice (not the cocktail) each day can approximate the effect of the cranberry concentrate.
Safety: There are no known side effects with cranberry concentrate, and it is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Cranberry should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics during an acute urinary tract infection.