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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Cornsilk is the silky tassel inside the corn husk - not often considered a food, but it is highly regarded in herbology as a valuable support for the urinary system. Corn is indigenous to Central America, but is now widely cultivated elsewhere. The genus name Zea means "cause of life", and the species name "mays" means "mother"'. Corn Silk has been used in conditions of high uric acid such as gout and some types of arthritis. It helps to reduce conditions of painful swelling, and is used for a wide range of genito-urinary complaints. Corn Silk is often combined with herbs that have more antiseptic qualities. Even though it is a diuretic, Corn Silk can also benefit frequent urination conditions by soothing bladder irritation. Chinese research indicates that Corn Silk reduces hypertension and reduces blood clotting time. Derived from the dried silky tassels found inside the husks of corn, Corn Silk contains iron, silica, potassium and vitamins B, C and K. It also contains moderate amounts of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It's key constituents are considered to be maizenic acid, fixed oil, resin and mucilage. Corn Silk has been used to soothe irritation, to the kidneys and bladder, often caused by burning and painful urination. Corn Silk alleviates the irritation of the bladder and urinary tract by coating the membranes lining the urinary system walls. Corn Silk may also alleviate prostate disorders including difficulty in the beginning of urination. Corn Silk has also been known to reduce the formation of sediments in the kidneys, relieve inflammation caused by urinary tract problems and help reduce water retention in the body.
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