Ericaceae
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Large Cranberry, American Cranberry, Bearberry Cranberry
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
FruitJuice
Therapeutic Uses
UTI prevention (A-type PAC — prevents E. coli adhesion, multiple meta-analyses confirm 35–40% UTI reduction), dental caries prevention (anti-adhesion to teeth), H. pylori (anti-adhesion), cardiovascular protection.
Herbal Actions
Anti-adhesion (PAC prevents bacterial adhesion to uroepithelium), urinary acidifier, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC — primary UTI prevention compound), benzoic acid, hippuric acid, vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoids, malic acid, citric acid
Preparation Methods
Juice💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Fresh or unsweetened cranberry juice: 240–500ml daily |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (36mg PAC daily): 300–500mg twice daily. Juice: must be unsweetened. |
| Notes | Prevention NOT treatment — does not clear established UTI (use antibiotics or other urinary herbs). PAC content varies dramatically between products — ensure 36mg PAC minimum daily. Unsweetened juice only. Combine with D-mannose for synergy. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Kidney stones (oxalate). Caution with warfarin (may potentiate). Otherwise very safe.
Side Effects: GI discomfort at high doses. Kidney stones (rare). GI acidity. Very well tolerated.