Cranberry is considered the ‘gold standard’ herb for the urinary system, with the majority of research confirming benefits in maintaining urinary tract health and helping to reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis. Cystitis is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women.
Cystitis – a common UTI
Cystitis commonly impacts the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. Cystitis is very common, especially in young women who are sexually active, and in perimenopausal and menopausal women, due to low levels of oestrogen. Ageing men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate issues are also at greater risk of developing cystitis. Around 95% of cystitis cases are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Women & UTI’s
Anatomically, women have a shorter urethra than men, which means it’s quicker and easier for bacteria to travel into the urinary tract. Many women may be unaware that they have an infection, and it’s not until the infection is well established that the following characteristic symptoms appear:
Cranberry is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to maintain urinary tract health and to help reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis. Cranberry contains active constituents known as proanthocyanidins that may help to stop bacteria from adhering to the cell wall and multiplying in the urinary tract and bladder.
Cranberry also provides antioxidant support to reduce free radicals formed in the body and is a rich source of vitamin C which helps to support healthy immune system function. Add webpage link for Cranberry 70 000.
Cystitis commonly impacts the lower urinary tract, which includes the urethra and bladder. Cystitis is very common, especially in young women who are sexually active, and in perimenopausal and menopausal women, due to low levels of oestrogen. Ageing men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate issues are also at greater risk of developing cystitis. Around 95% of cystitis cases are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Women & UTI’s
Anatomically, women have a shorter urethra than men, which means it’s quicker and easier for bacteria to travel into the urinary tract. Many women may be unaware that they have an infection, and it’s not until the infection is well established that the following characteristic symptoms appear:
- Burning or stinging pain on urination
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling or dark urine
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency – only small amounts of urine passed
- Fever
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic pressure
- Being pregnant
- Advancing age
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Underlying urological abnormalities
- Some lubricants and spermicides
- In-dwelling catheters
Cranberry is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to maintain urinary tract health and to help reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis. Cranberry contains active constituents known as proanthocyanidins that may help to stop bacteria from adhering to the cell wall and multiplying in the urinary tract and bladder.
Cranberry also provides antioxidant support to reduce free radicals formed in the body and is a rich source of vitamin C which helps to support healthy immune system function. Add webpage link for Cranberry 70 000.