Botanical Index No. 25

Alpine Cranberry

vaccinium vitis-idaea

Medicinal Actions

Antiherpetic, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Astringent, Cytotoxic, Fungicide, Urinary Antiseptic

Primary Conditions Treated

Mycosis Respirosis Rheumatism Sore Throat Stone Swelling Urethrosis UTI Virus Cyclooxygenase-Activator Bleeding Calculus Cancer breast Childbirth Cold Cough Diarrhea Flu Fungus Gout Herpes Infection Inflammation Mastosis

General Dosage

2 g/cup tea. 2 g/cup tea.

Safety & Contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, and in children under 12 years of age. Since the urinary antisepsis depends on an alkaline environment, acidifying herbs should be avoided. At 5 g/kg orl cat, the leaves cause the same intoxication as a toxic dose of hydroquinone. Liver damage could occur with long-term use or overdose, due to possible hepatotoxicity of the hydroquinones released. Hydroquinone intoxication, apparently roughly dose dependent, may occur with many Ericaceae, proportionate to their hydroquinone content. Without comparative analysis, we may even add the warning to other blueberries, cranberries, and bearberries. Contraindicated in pregnancy, nursing, and in children under 12 years of age. Since the urinary antisepsis depends on an alkaline environment, acidifying herbs should be avoided. At 5 g/kg orl cat, the leaves cause the same intoxication as a toxic dose of hydroquinone. Liver damage could occur with long-term use or overdose, due to possible hepatotoxicity of the hydroquinones released. Hydroquinone intoxication, apparently roughly dose dependent, may occur with many Ericaceae, proportionate to their hydroquinone content. Without comparative analysis, we may even add the warning to other blueberries, cranberries, and bearberries.