Cranberry: uses, side effects, interactions

Benefits

What are cranberries for?

Cranberry is a fruit from the berry class that is rich in nutrients and low in calories. This fruit comes from the northern part of the United States.

Cranberries are often used to prevent urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice can also prevent urinary tract infections, but it is less effective at treating it. Cranberries are also used for neurogenic bladder (bladder disease in which the function of the bladder is lost) and deodorizing urine for people who have problems controlling urination.

Some people also use cranberries to improve circulation of urination, kill germs, promote healing of skin, and combat fever. There are also uses for cranberries for type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), inflammation of the lungs (pleurisy), and cancer.

How does it work?

Until now, there has not been much research on how this herbal plant works. For more information, contact a doctor.

However, several studies have shown that cranberries, as well as many other fruits and vegetables, contain salicylic acid, which is an important ingredient in the manufacture of aspirin. Drinking cranberry juice regularly can increase the amount of salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid in the body can reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and as an anti-tumor effect.

Dose

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical recommendations. Always consult your herbalist or doctor before taking this medicine.

What is the usual dosage for cranberries for adults?

The dosage for the use of this herbal plant is different for each patient. The dosage you take depends on your age, health, and much more. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.

In what forms is cranberry available?

This herbal plant is available in various forms, namely:

• Fresh fruit
• juice
• Capsule

Side effects

What side effects can cranberries cause?

The most common side effects of eating cranberries are:

• Diarrhea (if the dose is too much)
• Hypersensitivity reaction

This side effect is not felt by everyone. Apart from the points above, there are other side effects that can be caused. If you are worried about certain side effects, please contact your doctor.

Security

What should I know before consuming cranberries?

Some things that you should pay attention to before consuming cranberries are:

• Store cranberry products in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight.
• Cranberries are effective at preventing urinary tract infections, but not for curing them.
• During the consumption of cranberries, pay attention if you experience the following things such as frequency of urinating, difficulty urinating, and a burning sensation when urinating.
• If you have a urinary tract infection, use antibiotic medication.

The regulations governing the use of herbal plants are less stringent than the regulations for the use of drugs. Further research is needed to determine its safety. Before using herbal plants, make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your herbalist and doctor for more information.

How safe are cranberries?

Consumption of cranberries is not recommended for people who have oliguria (lack of urine production), anuria, or are too sensitive to this herb. Do not use cranberries as a substitute for antibiotic therapy if there is increased urination frequency, difficulty urinating, and a burning sensation when urinating. If you have had kidney stones, avoid using cranberry extract or drinking too much cranberry juice.

Interaction

What kinds of interactions might occur when I consume cranberries?

This herbal plant can interact with the medications you are currently running or with any medical conditions you have. Consult a doctor before starting consumption. Some of the drugs that may interact with cranberries are:

• Warfarin (Coumadin®) is used to slow blood clotting. Cranberry might make warfarin stay longer in the body and increase the chance of bruising and bleeding. Check your blood regularly. Your warfarin dose may need to be changed.
• Medicines that are changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates such as emitriptyline (Elavil®), diazepam (Valium®), zileuton (Zyflo®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), diclofenac (Voltaren®), fluvastatin (Lescol ®), glipizide (Glucotrol®), ibuprofen (Advil ®, Motrin®), irbesartan (Avapro®), losartan (Cozaar®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), piroxicam (Feldene®), tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), tolbutamide (Tolinase®), torsemide (Demadex®), and others.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.