Cranberry

Cranberry is part of a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines. Native to North America where it is known as Vaccinium macrocarpon, the plant is closely related to the blueberry. The name is a shortened form of craneberry – the flowers of the low-growing shrub were thought to resemble the heads of the cranes that frequented the bogs where it grew. The berries are now widely cultivated throughout the United States. A British variety is also known as Vaccinium oxycoccus.

History of Use

In early North American medicine, cranberries were crushed and used as poultices for treating wounds and tumours. As a naturally high source of vitamin C, cranberries were also used as a remedy for the scurvy, a gum and bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of vitamin C.

Today, cranberry is more commonly used to help prevent and relieve the symptoms of minor, lower urinary tract infections associated with cystitis in women. Studies have indicated that the berries possess infection fighting properties by inhibiting the adhesion of harmful microorganisms to certain cell walls lining the urinary tract, making the environment a less hospitable place for bacteria to replicate, and thus reduces the likelihood of infection.

Did You Know?

Cranberry’s high vitamin C content makes it a good, natural way to increase this vitamin in your diet.

Since April 2014, all herbal medicines for sale in the UK and Europe must be approved by the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having been rigorously checked for safety and quality. They must also display the Traditional Herbal Registration ‘THR’ logo on their pack.

Registered traditional herbal medicinal products containing cranberry are used to relieve the symptoms of minor lower urinary complaints associated with cystitis in women only. Based on traditional use only.