Also Known As – Prunus serotina, Black Cherry (Prunus virginiana), Virginian Prune, and Choke Cherry.
Overview - Wild cherry is native to North America's east coast, although it is now grown in many places around the world. It prefers lots of sun and room to spread its roots. The tree can grow up to 80 feet tall and blooms profusely in the spring. The bark is harvested in the fall and dried carefully. Wild Cherry Bark has been used by Native Americans for many generations. It is a natural expectorant that is even safe to give to children.
Medicinal Uses – Internally, Wild Cherry Bark has traditionally been used to relieve coughs of all sorts. It can also aid indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Wild Cherry Bark has been used for bronchitis and whooping cough, and it can be combined with other herbs to ease asthma. It is also mildly sedative. Wild Cherry Bark stimulates the flow of gastric juices and aids a poor appetite. Externally, Wild Cherry Bark can be soaked in water for a few days in partial sun to create an eye wash that is effective for pink eye and other eye infections.
Other Uses – Cherry timber is used to make furniture, veneers and tool handles. It also makes beautiful cabinets. The fruit is used to make brandy, wine and jelly. They are also eaten fresh and are a favorite of wildlife and songbirds. The tree can also be used to make a green dye.
Herbs to Combine/Supplement - Wild Cherry Bark can be mixed with coltsfoot to treat asthma and whooping cough.
Parts Used - The inner bark of the cherry tree is used medicinally.
Precautions - Excessive amounts of Wild Cherry Bark can theoretically cause poisoning due to cyanide, since cherry contains hydrocyanic acid. Pregnant women should avoid wild cherry. There are no known drug interactions with the herb.
Never eat or make herbal tea from the leaves – they are poisonous.
Preparation and Dosage - Wild Cherry Bark is normally taken as a tincture or as a syrup. For these two methods, take 2 to 4 ml up to four times per day for coughs.
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