Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a member of the Ericaceae family, native to North America, Canada, and United States. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, astringent, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cranberry
Scientific Name	Vaccinium macrocarpon
Plant Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Vaccinium
Species	macrocarpon
Native Range	North America, Canada, United States
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Astringent, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Common Name: Cranberry
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Vaccinium Cranberry, North American Cranberry, American Cranberry
Plant Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Vaccinium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface light green, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetric flowers with five ovate petals, five sepals, and two stamens, arranged in clusters, exhibiting red to pinkish hues with yellowish anthers and a superior ovary.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with smooth, reddish-brown bark, and nodes bearing short, stiff, ascending hairs.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Culinary Use
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a gentle astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a moderate diuretic, in urinary system discussions.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a warming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Anthocyanin: Naturally occurring compounds contributing to plant pigmentation.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.