Indigenous Medicinal Plant Padlet by Kaiya Weber

Cranberries

kw337 — 2024-09-11 15:45:48 UTC

Historical use as traditional medicine

kw337 — 2024-09-11 15:50:58 UTC

Native Americans would historically use cranberries as a treatment for kidney and bladder diseases, however early settlers from England were known to use them to treat poor appetite, blood disorders, stomach issues, and even scurvy!

The parts used as medicine

kw337 — 2024-09-11 15:54:19 UTC

The fruit itself, or even the leaves of cranberries may be used as a medicine to help treat various problems!

How is this medicine prepared?

kw337 — 2024-09-16 15:07:22 UTC

Cranberries can commonly be used as medicine in the diet in juices, jellies, sauces, and other foods. Cranberry powder is also a very beneficial way to take this medicine.

What indigenous people used the plant?

kw337 — 2024-09-16 15:11:27 UTC

The Mi'kmaq use cranberries as not only a medicine, but they are also an important food source. They often stew the berries to make a sauce and steep in water to make a tonic drink. It is benefitcial for bladder and urinary tract infections.

Where does it grow?

kw337 — 2024-09-16 15:14:49 UTC

Cranberries are typically grown in the Northern locations of the United States. Some of the major production areas include, New Jersey, Massachusettsettes, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces being British Columbia and Quebec.

When/how is it harvested for medicine?

kw337 — 2024-09-16 15:22:44 UTC

When?: Fall. Usually from mid-September until around mid-November. Cranberries reach their peak flavour and colour during those months.

How?: The most common method of harvesting cranberries is called "wet harvesting." This is where the fields are flooded with water, then afterwards an eggbeater type of device will stir up the water with enough force to dislodge the berries from the vines.

What are cranberries used for today?

kw337 — 2024-09-16 15:25:43 UTC

Many people will use cranberries to prevent UTI's. But they are also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, common colds.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.