Cranberry / Asparagus Root

Cranberry is also known by the names Marshwort and Fenne Berry. The larger American berry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to North America, and the smaller berry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) was first documented by the Romans in Britain; both are used interchangeably. For hundreds of years, Cranberries have been used to promote urinary tract health. Cranberries contain substances which alter the bacteria population in urine, and the compounds found in Cranberries appear 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, which allows the bacteria to be eliminated. 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 include reducing inflammation and pain and to help improve digestion. The benzoic acid in the berries also works as a natural preservative. A daily dose of Cranberry typically contains as much anthocyanidins as 100 mg of Grapeseed 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 bacteruria and pyuria and 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 bacteruriawith pyuria at all were only 42% of the odds in the control group.

Asparagus is a perennial plant with short, horizontal rootstock and long, thick roots and sending up the young shoots that we eat as vegetables. The word Asparagus is said to be derived from the Persian word, asparag, referring to tender shoots that can be consumed. Asparagus has long been used as a fine diuretic, and due to its phallic shape, it has also been regarded as an aphrodisiac. Asparagus Root is said to help promote 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 reduce menstrual cramping, promote fertility 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 rich in folic acid, which is essential for production of new red blood cells. Other chemical constituents of Asparagus include essential oil, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids (kaempferol, Quercetin, Rutin), resin and tannin. Asparagus acts to increase cellular activity in the kidneys and thus increases the rate of urine production. It is also said to encourage evacuation of the bowels by increasing fecal bulk with undigested fiber. The roots are considered diuretic, laxative, able to 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 can be very beneficial for arthritic conditions and kidney stones. It is also called a nourishing, blood-building tonic that enhances the health of both male and female reproductive organs.