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CRANBERRY
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(Vaccinium vitis idaea) Top
Pick
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Other Names
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Alpine Cranberry, Cowberry, Red Bilberry, Whortelberry.
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Description
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Cranberry is a small evergreen plant that grows in mountain forests and damp
bogs. The creeping rootstock grows 4 to 10 feet tall,
producing pale green, rolled edge leaves with brown spots underneath, and clusters of pinky-purple
flowers that bloom from May to August, then producing a bright red berry.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Cranberry is an excellent treatment for bladder problems, especially
cystitis. Use to increase appetite, curb diarrhea, and
in the treatment of gout and rheumatism.
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Combinations
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Alpine Cranberry may be substituted for Bearberry, just double the
dosage.
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Constituents
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Hippuric Acid.
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Action
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Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Disinfectant.
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Food Values
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Vitamin C.
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Part Used
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Leaves, Berries.
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Collection
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Gather the leaves after the berries are ripe. Gather the berries when they are ripe.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Take 1 capsule three times per day as a preventative for bladder problems.
Take 2 - 3 capsules as required, with plenty of fluids, for
acute cystitis.
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Cold Extract:
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Use 1 Tbsp. of leaves with a 1/2 cup of water. Let stand 10 minutes. Take three
times per day.
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Decoction:
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Place 1 heaping Tsp. of dried leaves into 1/2 cup water.
Take un-sweetened, a mouthful at a
time.
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Infusion:
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tbsp of herb. Infuse for 10 minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Cranberry is very difficult to grow as it requires wet, boggy, acidic
soil. Check with your local nursery to see if it can be grown in your
area.
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History
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Cranberry’s were eaten for their tangy, refreshing taste long before their
medicinal value was recognized. In 1621 they were served
at the first Thanksgiving dinner, however they did not become a tradition until after the Civil
War. Cranberries also become popular among sailors
because those that ate them did not develop scurvy. Its
use medicinally was as a paste that was used on boils.
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Additional Information
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1. Research shows Cranberry to be
natures best weapon against cystitis and urinary infections. In fact it is listed as an effective treatment in the US
Pharmacopoeia.
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Cautions
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None
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Magick Information
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No magical value.
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