Everyone knows medicinal properties of Ordinary Cranberry (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.) or Marsh cranberry (Oxycoccus quadripetalus Gilib.) (Vacciniaceae - heather). This small shrub with small dark green leathery leaves is an owner of very valuable fruits.
Chemical composition of cranberry is so varied that it promotes healing and prevention of many diseases. Cranberry contains sufficient quantities of following chemical elements: potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iodine, barium, iron, silver, manganese, lead. In addition, they are rich in vitamins C, PP, K, B1 and B2, and also contain flavanoids, glycoside vaceinine, triterpene acids - oleanolic, ursolic and organic acids (2,3% - 3,3%) - ketoglutaric, citric, chinchonic , malic, benzoic (precisely because of this acid berries retain their freshness for a long time without any additional processing). Fructose and glucose, on average, are 0,3% and 2,4% respectively, and berries contain colorants, pectin, tannins, nitrogenous substances and phytoncides.

Cranberries, gathered in spring are considered most healing fruits, because they have the highest content of valuable substances, sugars, and biologically active substances, but autumn cranberry is an owner of high vitamin C concentration.

Cranberry juice took the 7-th position in the ranking of the most useful drinks in the world, compiled by scientists from University of California. Healing properties of fresh cranberry juice are based on its high tannin content, which prevent introduction of bacteria through cell membrane. Therefore, regular use of cranberry juice can significantly improve immune system, enhancing the body’s defenses. Moreover, cranberry magnifies the effect of antibiotics, especially regarding treatment of digestive system diseases, urinary tract infections with different genesis.

Mechanism of action is based on natural acidification of urine, resulting in an active breeding of pathogens being terminated. But that’s not all: Scientists recently discovered an ability of cranberry juice substances to counteract adhesion (sticking) of pathogenic bacteria to the urinary tract walls, thereby counteracting their reproduction and development of an inflammatory process.

Cranberry juice has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, sudorific, diuretic effects. It is used not only as a treatment and prevention of urogenital sphere, but also as a tonic, and anti-flu remedy. Salts of potassium determine diuretic properties of cranberry, which is in turn an excellent natural remedy for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Such chemical elements as boron, iodine, manganese can lower blood pressure, so cranberry juice is often recommended for hypertension. Even cranberry cake contains about 6% ursolic acid, which has vasorelaxant action on coronary vessels.

Regular consumption of fresh cranberry juice significantly reduces the risk of food poisoning and prevents development of enterovirus infection because it has an ability to inhibit bacterial growth of E. coli, salmonella, etc. This conclusion was presented at the annual meeting of the U.S. Institute of Food Technology.

Being a natural absorbent of harmful bacteria, due to proanthocyanidins, cranberry juice also acts as an antioxidant. Bactericidal properties of cranberry provide reduced reproduction of cocci, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus. Fresh juice affects the increase in secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices, so it is often recommended during therapy of digestive system diseases. It enhances appetite, food assimilation and normalization of metabolism, increases intestinal peristalsis and leads out slags. It is recommended while gastritis (but only with low acidity), colitis, prescribed as a substitute for salt in salt-free diet, as well as during liver diseases treatment.

A few centuries ago, there was noticed a damaging property of cranberry to cholera, cranberry juice perfectly quenches thirst, relieves manifestations of fever from influenza, significantly accelerates healing of sore throat.

However, the distillation of cranberry berries is applied not only inside, but as an external remedy in dermatology. Spocks from cranberry juice promote healing of burns (1,2 st.), septic wounds, recommended for psoriasis, eczema, and tetter (dry). Concentrated cranberry juice is also used as an antiparasitic means to get rid of lice.

The most important contraindications for use of cranberry juice are: gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and increased acidity of gastric juice.