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Focus on Herbs:
Cranberry
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by Lynne Latella
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Cranberries were consumed
long before anyone knew of their remarkable healing properties. The
Pilgrims purportedly dined on cranberries and other delicacies that
first Thanksgiving, although cranberry sauce didn’t appear until around
the time of the Civil War. At that time, General Grant commanded that
it be served to Union troops. Little did they know that the berries
were loaded with vitamin C. It’s not surprising, therefore, that
sailors consumed these tart berries to prevent scurvy. As the centuries
passed, cranberries did not gain much recognition as a healing agent.
There were some references about making a paste in order to stick a cut
berry on the tip of the nose to relieve boils. That must have been
quite a sight! Later, cranberries were used as a folk remedy for
constipation, diarrhea, gout, skin disorders such as eczema, fevers,
colds, flu and rheumatism.
There are about 150 species of cranberry, with the American variety
being the most popular. Although we appreciate cranberries as culinary
and decorative accents during the winter holidays, we now know that
their real benefit lies in their ability to help heal a variety of
health conditions.
Related to bilberries and blueberries, cranberries contain potent
antioxidants that discourage bacteria from gathering together to cause
bladder and urinary tract infections, along with other maladies. In
fact, cranberries are higher in antioxidants than broccoli! German
chemists in the 18th century noted that the urine of those who consumed
cranberries contained a bacteria fighting agent. Women particularly
have been able to alleviate urinary tract and bladder infections by
drinking cranberry juice.
When Yogi Berra confided to a shocked fellow diner that eating
asparagus made his urine stink, his dinner mate should have told him
that ingesting cranberries deodorizes urine.
But that’s not all. High in fiber, cranberries are a rich source of
vitamins and minerals. Their high acidity makes them a great digestive
aid, beneficial in breaking down fatty foods. They have been known to
be effective in eradicating E. coli bacteria, and helping prevent
strokes and controlling diabetes.
Cranberry has also been used in treating the following conditions:
• Kidney Stones – Quinic acid may help prevent the development of
stones, although drinking large quantities for long periods of time may
contribute to the creation of kidney stones.
• Stomach Cancer – A compound inherent in cranberries can destroy H.
pylori bacteria.
• Dental Plaque and Gum Disease – Cranberry juice inhibits the
bacterial adhesion that creates plaque.
• Heart Disease – Cranberry extract inhibits oxidation, which can
potentially reduce risk.
• Ulcers – Cranberries can prevent disease-inducing bacteria from
adhering to stomach lining.
• Yeast Infections – New research has found that cranberry can control
and maybe even eliminate these infections.
• Cholesterol – Drinking cranberry juice on a regular basis may
increase levels of HDL and reduce LDL.
• Tumors – Cranberries have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.
Although cranberry is most effective in juice form, there are
supplements containing cranberry extract that are helpful for some of
the conditions mentioned above.
The Co-op offers fresh cranberries in season, dried cranberries and
cranberry juice, as well as cranberry remedies in capsules and teas.
Two new products are a homeopathic and herbal formula from New Chapter
called Candida Take Care, and Berrie Crush which is an oxygen-extracted
cranberry formula that helps to control yeast infections.
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