Cranberry for Urinary Tract Infection
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Sandra
Posted on: December 17, 2000

Is cranberry extract good for a urinary tract infection? If so, how much? The bottle says 2 capsules three times a day.

Do you sell this? I checked your list and did not see it.

Cranberry has long been known to be effective against urinary tract infection. Today, cranberry juice is used. Thomas Bartram, in "Bartram’s Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (available at Richters) quotes a source that recommends 15 fluid ounces of cranberry juice daily to prevent bacteria clinging to the urinary tract in mild urinary infections. For the capsule form, Bartram suggests 2 capsules daily of cranberry juice concentrate equivalent to 1680 mg of fresh cranberries.

Cranberry leaf was also used in the past. Here is what John Lust says about "alpine cranberry" (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) in his book, "The Herb Book" (available from Richters):

"Decoction: Use 1 heaping tsp. dried leaves to 1/2 cup water. Take unsweetened, a mouthful at a time."

He also gives directions for a hot infusion of the leaves and cold extract.

No, we do not currently sell cranberry products.

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