The berries of cranberries have long been used in folk medicine due to the useful compounds contained in them. Berries contain benzoic, citric, quinic acids, vitamin C, glucose and fructose, pectin substances, mineral salts. The variety of biologically active compounds causes widespread use of cranberries in traditional medicine. In the treatment of what diseases apply cranberries?
Cranberry honey and gruel from berries in folk medicine are used for treatment of decubitus. As a preventive measure for the threat of periodontal disease, it is recommended to knead the berries with the tongue about the gingiva. Cranberry kissel in a hot form is a good sweatshop, and in a warm and cold form it is used in the treatment of rheumatism and as a diuretic. Cranberry syrup and mors have long been used in folk medicine as a coolant for various diseases, and they are added to potions during fever.
Another application that found cranberries in folk medicine is the treatment of scurvy. Cranberry juice is an effective and universally recognized antiscorbutic. It is also used as an antipyretic and restorative drink. Cranberry juice with honey is given to tuberculosis patients for recovery.
Cranberries crushed with honey are recommended with reduced acidity of gastric juice, sore throat, coughing, high blood pressure. However, with inflammatory processes in the stomach and intestines, cranberries should not be consumed because of its high acidity.
Some recipes of traditional medicine as a therapeutic diet prescribe to consume cranberries with potato juice. To make such a drink fresh potato juice is first defended to precipitate the starch, and then pour it into the cranberry juice and add a little sugar.
Cranberries have a harmful effect on many pathogens. The berries of cranberries are able to enhance the action of certain antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs, which are used in the treatment of kidney diseases.
When to collect and how to store cranberry berries?
Cranberries are harvested in September with the onset of the first frosts. Sometimes these berries are harvested in the early spring, after the snow has melted. The overwintered cranberry has a more pleasant taste, but the value of such berries as a means of traditional medicine is much less. This is due to the fact that after wintering under snow, the cranberry contains less useful substances.
For storage at home, cranberry berries are placed in wooden barrels. At a temperature of 4-5 ° C, berries do not deteriorate for several months.