Herb Basics: Fight Bladder Infections with Cranberry

Cranberries can prevent bacteria growth in the bladder.

By The Herb Companion Staff
March/April 2001
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The tangy red cranberry is high in vitamin C and, among other vital nutrients, it contains calcium, folic acid, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and E. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts contain antioxidants that help protect the kidneys, bladder, and skin from cancer. But cranberry’s most famous use is as a bladder infection fighter. Cranberry adds acid to the urine, preventing bacteria from adhering to bladder cells. Regular doses can help steer you clear of bladder infections; higher doses can help treat an infection while you have it.

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The recommended dosage of cranberry consists of 3 oz. of unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberry juice once or twice a day. You should avoid cranberry juice cocktail products, as they contain a great deal of sugar, but straight, unsweetened cranberry juice is very sour and difficult to drink. If you prefer, take two to four capsules (400 to 500 mg) of cranberry extract daily as a preventive. If you have a bladder infection, take up to ten capsules daily. If your infection doesn’t clear up in a few days, contact your health practitioner, as antibiotics may be necessary.

Sources:

Balch, Phyllis, and James Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Avery, 2000.

Castleman, Michael. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale, 1991.


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  • PREMA NARAYANAN 4/12/2011 12:39:47 PM

    Thank you for your comments, K.C.Compton. The cardamons are already well soaked in the water while boiling. Therefore the water can be taken either warm or cold.The cardamons are to remain in the bottom of water to give medicinal effects as well as flavor. You can have sips of water instead of full glass every time. Prema Narayanan

  • K.C. Compton_1 4/11/2011 11:35:33 AM

    Thank you for your comment. I haven't heard of either of these remedies, and am happy to hear. How long should one let the cardamom soak before drinking the water? And I imagine you're recommending drinking a glass of the water each time? Do you have any idea why the cardamom works in combating the urinary infection? I wonder, too, why the oil would work in ridding mouth ulcer infection. Maybe it's the same principle as how honey can help external wounds -- the bacteria lose their mobility in the heavily viscose liquid. At any rate, thank you for sharing the information with us. --KC Compton

  • PREMA NARAYANAN 4/11/2011 9:37:56 AM

    Dear Editor, I am submitting two remedies for Urinary Infection and Mouth Ulcer. Urinary Infection: Boil six glasses of drinking water with six cardamons for three minutes and pour the water in the jar. Cardamons will settle at the bottom and leave them to soak. Drink this water three to four times a day. This will help to remove urinary infection and soothe irritation in the urinary track. Mouth Ulcer:Put two to three spoons of sesame oil or any cooking oil in the mouth, keep it in the mouth and swish for 15 minutes. The oil will become foam and white in color.The oil shall be thrown out and the mouth shall be rinsed with water.This process is known as oil pulling.It also cures gum bleeding and sourness causing bad breath. This can be done preferably in the morning before food. Prema Narayanan

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