Herbs for Urinary Health: Cranberry

There are many plants that we can use as natural remedies to help our urinary systems stay healthy.

In my last blog I talked about uva ursi.

Another very well-known herb for healthy living is the cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon).

Cranberry is not just for Thanksgiving dinners!

Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for:

• wounds
• urinary disorders
• diarrhea
• diabetes
• stomach ailments
• liver problems

In recent years, cranberry products have been used to try to prevent or treat urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections, which can lead to stomach ulcers. A recent British study found that regular drinking of cranberry juice seemed to reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections in women.

Research shows that certain chemicals found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. How this is done isn’t really known, however.

Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant activity. It may even reduce dental plaque.