--- title: "Cranberry: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Cranberry products may lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections; they do not clear an existing infection. People on warfarin should ask first." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cranberry/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) # Cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon B Limited clinical evidence Cranberry products may lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections; they do not clear an existing infection. People on warfarin should ask first. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) ![](/illustrations/diger.svg)C Cranberry Pregnancy **Caution** Breastfeeding **Caution** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Cranberry is a tart North American fruit used as juice, powder or capsules. According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products probably reduce the risk of infection in women with recurrent urinary tract infections, in children and after some medical procedures. It is not recommended as a treatment for an existing infection. **Parts used:** fruit **Key constituents:** Proanthocyanidins (A-type), Organic acids Updated: October 24, 2026 Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified. ## What is it used for? - B Limited clinical evidence According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products probably reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by about a quarter in women with recurrent urinary tract infections; risk was also lower in children and in people susceptible after medical procedures. The evidence does not support use in the elderly. \[2\] \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Food Taken as juice, powder or capsules. Studies used different products; the sources give no single verified amount. \[1\] ## Safety & interactions - It does not clear an existing urinary tract infection; see a doctor for burning, frequent urination, fever or flank pain. - If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before using cranberry products; evidence on the interaction is conflicting. - Amounts found in food appear safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; evidence for larger amounts (supplements) is inconclusive, so ask your doctor. - Very large amounts may cause stomach upset and diarrhea, especially in young children. - In Türkiye the name “kızılcık” also refers to a different fruit (Cornus mas); check that the label says Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry). \[1\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Warfarin | Evidence on the interaction is conflicting; bleeding risk may change. Talk to your doctor before use and keep up your INR monitoring. [1] | Moderate | ### Side effects - Stomach upset and diarrhea at very large amounts (especially in young children) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Frequently asked questions Does cranberry help with urinary tract infections? According to a Cochrane review, it probably lowers the risk of new infections in women with recurrent infections, in children and after some medical procedures. It does not clear an existing infection; see a doctor if you have symptoms. Is cranberry the same as Turkish “kızılcık”? No. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a North American relative of the blueberry, while the fruit called kızılcık in Türkiye is Cornus mas. The studies used cranberry. Can I take cranberry while pregnant? According to the NIH, amounts in food appear safe, but evidence for larger amounts is inconclusive. Ask your doctor before using supplements. Can I use cranberry with warfarin? Evidence on the interaction is conflicting. If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before starting or stopping cranberry products. Does cranberry work in older people? The Cochrane review says current evidence does not support its use in the elderly; results in care-home residents were mixed. ## Sources Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval. 1. [Cranberry](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry) NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) · 2024 · Official agency information Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub7) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2023 · Systematic review Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cranberry/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) - [Same Name, Different Plants](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/same-name-different-plants/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)O Olive Leaf ### [Olive Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/olive-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Olea europaea Olive leaf is traditionally used for mild water retention; its extract may lower blood pressure slightly. Not advised in pregnancy or under 18. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Pumpkin Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/pumpkin-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin seed is traditionally used for urinary symptoms of benign prostate enlargement or overactive bladder, after a doctor rules out serious disease. [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Corn Silk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/corn-silk/) T Traditional use Zea mays A tea made from the silky threads of corn cobs, traditionally drunk to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints. It does not cause weight loss. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Horsetail](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horsetail/) T Traditional use Equisetum arvense Horsetail is traditionally used to increase urine flow in minor urinary complaints and, on the skin, to support healing of superficial wounds. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Milk Thistle](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/milk-thistle/) T Traditional use Silybum marianum Milk thistle fruit is traditionally used to support liver function, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and for indigestion. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ![](/illustrations/kuru-bitki.svg)P Parsley ### [Parsley](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/parsley/) T Traditional use Petroselinum crispum Parsley herb is traditionally used as a tea to flush the urinary tract. Avoid more than food amounts in pregnancy, and never take parsley essential oil. [Liver, Kidney & Urinary](https://herbadex.com/en/for/liver-kidney/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Clay, Soap & Other) [Clay, Soap & Other →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Horse Chestnut](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/horse-chestnut/) A Strong clinical evidence Aesculus hippocastanum Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Aloe Vera](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/aloe-vera/) B Limited clinical evidence Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Aloe vera inner-leaf gel may shorten healing time in some burn studies. This entry covers topical use; swallowing yellow aloe latex carries notable risks. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Ashwagandha](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/ashwagandha/) B Limited clinical evidence Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Ashwagandha root extracts have limited evidence for stress and sleep. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease; drug interactions are possible. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Men’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/mens-health/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ![](/illustrations/diger.svg)B Black Garlic ### [Black Garlic](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-garlic/) B Limited clinical evidence Allium sativum In one small trial, black garlic extract slightly lowered diastolic blood pressure; cholesterol results are inconsistent. Take care with blood thinners. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.