Alpine cranberry

     Alternative names: Vaccinium Vitis–idaea, Lingenberry, Airelle, Foxberry

     Evergreen bush, found in Asia, Northern Europe and North America, Alpine Cranberry is a powerful anti-infectious agent, part of the Ericaceae family. A common ingredient in Euroasian diets, the Alpine Cranberry fruit can be used fresh or cooked and is also found in syrups, wines and liqueurs. Fruits contain chemicals known as benzoates, which are the natural, unharmful alternative for E 211 (sodium benzoate), having preservative qualities.

     Considered digestive and aperitif, Alpine Cranberry increases gastric secretions and relieves indigestion, while the tannins contained the leaves have a strong antibacterial action at intestinal level, regulating the gastrointestinal transit.

     The main medicinal use of Alpine Cranberry is for urinary tract disorders. Due to the powerful diuretic and renal anti-inflammatory effects, Alpine Cranberry prevents and treats urinary infections, kidney stones, nephritis and cystitis. Other uses include: diabetes, gout, arthritis, respiratory infections and atherosclerosis.

     Externally, Alpine Cranberry proves beneficial for skin and hair, since the leaves have astringent and antiseptic properties while gargles with Alpine Cranberry infusion fights oral plaque and eliminates infections causing gingivitis and stomatitis.

     Alpine Cranberry leaves are unsafe for long-term use, since it can cause nausea and vomiting, and internal treatment with Alpine Cranberry is contraindicated to children (might damage the liver), in pregnancy (might cause genetic modifications) and breastfeeding. People suffering from liver disease, need to take special precautions when using Alpine Cranberry, since active principles contained in the herb may worsen their condition.