Cranberry is also known by the names Marshwort and Fenne Berry. Cranberry is native to North America, and includes the species Vaccinium macrocarpon , which is used interchangeably with Vaccinium oxycoccus . For hundreds of years, Cranberries have been used to promote urinary tract health. Cranberries contain substances which alter the bacteria population in urine. The substances found in Cranberries seem to make harmful bacteria less likely to cling to the surface of cells in the urinary tract. Cranberry inhibits the adhesion of bacteria ( often E. coli ) to the urinary tract, perhaps due to a polymer contained in the plant. This allows the bacteria to be eliminated. The benzoic acid in the berries works as a natural preservative. Cranberry has been used to prevent kidney stones and "bladder gravel" as well as to remove toxins from the blood. Cranberry has long been recommended for persons with recurrent urinary tract infections ( UTIs ). Cranberry may be used not only to prevent urinary tract infections, but also to eliminate odors associated with incontinence. Other benefits of Cranberry are to reduce inflammation and pain and to help improve digestion. A daily dose of Cranberry typically contains as much anthocyanidins as 100 mg of grape seed extract, with 50 mg magnesium ( 12% of the U.S. RDA for magnesium ) and 12.8 mg of potassium. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 153 elderly women ( mean age, 78.5 years ) investigated the effectiveness of consuming 300ml per day of a standard Cranberry beverage on bacteriuria and pyuria. It found that, among women who had the infection in one month and were on Cranberry beverage, their odds of having the infection in the next month were only 27% of the odds in the control group. The experimental group's odds of having bacteruria with pyuria at all were only 42% of the odds in the control group. |
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Asparagus is a perennial plant with short, horizontal rootstock having long, thick roots and sending up the young shoots that we eat as vegetables. The word Asparagus is from the Persian "asparag", referring to tender shoots that can be consumed. Due to its phallic shape, it has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac. Asparagus Root has been used to help one develop peace of mind, a loving nature, a good memory, and a calm spirit. Chinese pharmacists save the best roots of this plant for their families and friends in the belief that it will increase feelings of compassion and love. In India, Asparagus is used to promote fertility, reduce menstrual cramping, and increase milk production in nursing mothers. In the Western world, it has been touted as an aphrodisiac. These customs and beliefs are not mere superstition - the root contains compounds called steroidal glycosides that directly affect hormone production and may very well influence emotions. Asparagus is also high in folic acid, which is essential for production of new red blood cells. Other primary chemical constituents of Asparagus include essential oil, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids ( kaempferol, quercitin, rutin ), resin, and tannin. Asparagus acts to increase cellular activity in the kidneys and thus increases the rate of urine production. This herb also encourages evacuation of the bowels by increasing fecal bulk with undigested fiber. The roots considered diuretic, laxative, induce sweating, and are recommended for gout, dropsy, and rheumatism. Chinese studies report that the roots can also lower blood pressure. Because Asparagus helps to dissolve uric and oxalic acid, it benefits arthritic conditions and kidney stones. It is also a nourishing, blood-building tonic that enhances the health of both male and female reproductive organs. In India, the racemosa species is used to increase sperm count and nourish the ovum.
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