Cran Essence - 500ml

CRAN•ESSENCE FROM FLORA

Cran•Essence is a full spectrum-blend of 9 herbs in a base of cranberry juice concentrate that promotes and maintains normal urinary tract health. Cranberries contain naturally occurring proanthocyanidins and organic acids, which have been shown to support healthy urinary tract function by inhibiting the attachment of microbes to the linings of the urinary and intestinal tracts. The added herbs in Cran•Essence are traditionally used for their diuretic and antiseptic properties, which help the body flush the bladder and urethra. Enjoy the restoring properties of Cran•Esssence…a delicious tasting liquid formula that helps support urinary tract health.

Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a urinary antiseptic to help relieve benign urinary tract infections (UTIs)

HIGHLIGHTS
-Kosher, Non-GMO, Gluten-free
-Complete Urinary Tract Formula that blends Juniper Berries, Uva Ursi, Yarrow, and Calendula in a base of cranberry Concentrate
-Formula based on well-established traditional herbal use
-Herbs extracted individually at specific controlled temperatures and centrifuge strained
-Delicious, liquid formula packaged in recyclable glass
-Alcohol free - in a base of water and cranberry juice
-Diuretic, antiseptic, soothing, and toning to urinary system

Hawthorn supplements are found as loose herb, encapsulated herb, tincture and liquid extract. Hawthorn products should be standardized as an assurance that they contain hawthorn and that there are some active ingredients present at the time of processing. Hawthorn can be found in combination products for cardiovascular health.

Everyone who takes hawthorn should watch for signs of low blood pressure such as faintness, dizziness and headache. Due to hawthorn’s cardiovascular effects, individuals who use heart medication or blood pressure regulating medication should use hawthorn with caution. Pregnant women due to the risk of hypotension should not use hawthorn.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a colonization of at least one part of the urinary tract by an infectious agent. These can occur in either sex, although they are far more common in women. The most common infection is called cystitis. The most common cause of urinary tract infections are bacteria, although they can also be caused by yeast or viruses.

Cystitis
When the bladder becomes infected and inflamed, it creates a condition known as cystitis (bladder infection). Bacteria are the most common cause of cystitis and one species in particular: E. coli (Escherichia coli). Normally found in the human digestive tract, where it aids in digestion, but when it grows in other areas it will cause an infection. Other bacteria, yeast and viruses can also infect the bladder, causing similar symptoms. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the bladder wall. Its exact cause is unknown but it is usually non-infectious and occurs subsequent to several cystitis episodes.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of cystitis are urinary frequency and urgency with burning pain on urination. Emptying the bladder may not relieve the symptoms. The urine may be cloudy, from the presence of the bacteria and can also be dark, or even “coke coloured”, due to the presence of blood. Symptoms can be mild or severe, with a sudden or a delayed onset. Development of fever and lower back pain signal that the kidney is affected, and you should seek immediate medical attention. In more serious cases, this infection can eventually travel up to the kidneys and cause a condition called nephritis, or can travel down to the prostate and cause prostatitis in men.

Causes of UTI’s
There are a number of factors that can predispose an individual to bladder infections. The shape and location of the urethra can contribute to the risk of developing infection. The urethra is the small tube that connects the bladder to the outside world. In women the opening of the urethra is between the clitoris and the vagina, and in men it exits at the tip of the penis. If the urethra becomes irritated it can swell slightly, which restricts proper urine flow and can allow bacteria to accumulate. Many things can irritate the urethra including friction from tight clothing or sexual intercourse, allergic contact, and even external infections like STI’s (sexually transmitted infections) or yeast infections. Ultimately, any way that bacteria can get into the urethra and overgrow is a risk for a UTI. Douches, lubricants, latex condoms, spermicides and seminal fluid can also cause bladder irritation.