Madder vs Cranberry

Climbing perennial cultivated since antiquity for red dye; roots used in European folk medicine for urinary and kidney conditions.

Cranberry is a North American native fruit widely recognized for its role in urinary tract health. It contains proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract walls. Cranberry is one of the best-studied botanicals for UTI prevention and is recommended by many healthcare practitioners.

alizarin, purpurin, ruberythric acid, tannins, flavonoids

Proanthocyanidins (PACs), Quercetin, Myricetin, Hippuric acid, Vitamin C

Kidney stones and urinary conditions in European folk medicine, Liver conditions, Wound healing poultice, Primary source of red dye in antiquity

Urinary tract health, Scurvy prevention, Wound healing, Stomach ailments, Liver problems

Diuretic, Lithotriptic research, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial

Urinary tract infection prevention, Recurrent UTI management, Helicobacter pylori reduction, Cardiovascular health, Antioxidant supplementation

2–3 g root as decoction; 1–2 mL tincture

500mg cranberry extract 1-2 times daily, or 240-300ml unsweetened juice daily

Pregnancy, Kidney disease, Red urine can cause diagnostic confusion

Kidney stones (oxalate type), Aspirin allergy (contains salicylic acid)

Red discoloration of urine, GI upset, Possible mutagenic concern with alizarin

GI upset at high doses, Diarrhea, Kidney stone risk (high doses), Blood sugar elevation (sweetened products)