Folk remedies have always stated that cranberry juice is best cure for cystitis. My article will help you uncover the facts about medicinal value of cranberries.

Cystitis is a well-known health problem occurring in men and more often in women. It is a bladder related inflammation occurring on account of bacterial infection to the lower urinary tract. This infection is often referred to as Urinary Infection. It is essential to understand the facts about cystitis as well as cranberries to understand if cranberries are truly a remedy for this infection.

Cystitis Facts
There are several distinct types of cystitis infections such as the Hemorrhagic cystitis, Eosinophilic cystitis, Traumatic cystitis and the Interstitial cystitis. The last category or the Interstitial cystitis is known as the common urinary infection in layman's words. The common symptoms of cystitis include:

• Frequent need of urination
• Painful urination and burning sensation
• Feeling of pressure in the lower part of pelvis

Causes of Cystitis
The main causes of cystitis are:

• Usage of unhygienic undergarments
• Exposure to cystitis causing bacteria while using bathtubs or public urinals
• The infection is easily transmitted to sexually active women with changes of infection increasing in direct proportion to the frequency of sexual intercourse. In such a case the infection is popularly called 'honeymoon cystitis'.
• The tendency to get cystitis infection can be hereditary with patients suffering diabetes being more prone to these infections.
• Using unhygienic catheters during medical treatment has also been seen as a possible cause for cystitis infections.

Cranberries for Cystitis
Cranberry juice has various benefits. Cranberries possess nutrients such as dietary fiber, manganese, a high content of vitamin C, and other minerals and nutrients. Cranberries are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants called polyphenols which have an anti-adhesion property. A chemical called tannin present in the cranberries has anti clotting property which is ideal for preventing cystitis and urinary tract infections in men and women alike. The anti-adhesive property helps block the spread of urinary infections in urethra and bladders. However, doctors caution that consumption of Cranberry juice or pills cannot permanently safeguard anyone against cystitis. One needs to exercise caution and hygiene at all times to help prevent cystitis.

Goodness of Cranberries
The native Americans have treated Cranberries as nectar of goodness. Cranberries have been traditionally used for curing wounds due to its healing properties. It is an excellent remedy for cure of scurvy to a high content of vitamin C in cranberries. Traditionally, cranberry juice has been consumed to enhance appetite, and cure problems pertaining to digestion. Cranberry juice has also been consumed to cure blood disorders, heart problems, tooth decay and bleeding gums. In many parts of the world, cranberries are used for making toothpastes. The antioxidant properties of cranberries are known to reduce signs of skin aging. Therefore, cranberries are popularly used around the world for making anti aging formula creams.

Cranberry Juice Recipe
Try making a glass of cranberry juice and you will realize that there nothing as refreshing as cranberry juice.

Ingredients
Take half a pound of fresh red cranberries, 3 cups of cold water, lemon juice, a quarter cup of powdered sugar and salt to taste.

Procedure
Thoroughly wash the cranberries. Heat a non- stick saucepan and put the cranberries into it. After tossing for one minute, add the water along with a teaspoon of lemon juice and salt. Let the cranberries boil for at least 15 minutes. You will notice that the cranberries start bursting on being cooked. Put out the flame and pour the hot mixture onto a sieve. Drain the cranberry juice in a clean vessel and let it cool. Now take a clean juice glass. Put the powdered sugar at the base of this glass and pour the cranberry juice. Refrigerate the juice for at least ½ an hour. And your exotic cranberry juice is ready! For additional quantity of juice, increase the ingredients in proportion to the number of servings to be made. Now, doesn't that sound really easy?

Cranberry Juice Tablets
Cranberry Juice is known for its extremely bitter taste. If you refrain from consuming this bitter medicine, then you may opt for consuming cranberry juice tablets. These tablets are cheaply priced and can be purchased from any pharmacy in your vicinity. Moreover, these tablets are as effective as the fresh juice. However, I recommend all readers to consult their doctors for understanding the exact dosage required to cure the ailment

Cranberries, in spite of all their good value should not be recklessly consumed. It is full of natural acids which can cause heart burns and skin reactions. So be careful, when consuming these berries. I genuinely hope that my article has enlightened you about cranberries.