Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant, antitussive
Application
tea, syrups
Wild Cherry
(Prunus serotina)
Also know as Wild Black Cherry
Botanical Information
A large tree in the Rose family to 100 feet, four-five feet in diameter with white flowers; grows in the hardwood forests of the eastern U.S.
Working with Wild Cherry
Part(s) Used
Bark
Herb Forms
Tincture, syrup, bulk herb.
Wild cherry bark has a long history of use as an ingredient in cough syrups and is used particularly for dry, nonproductive, and irritating coughs and pleurisy. It is also beneficial for nervous dyspepsia and lack of appetite. Wild cherry contains prunasin, a cyanogenic glycoside, which gives it its antispasmodic and sedative properties, but might make it toxic in large amounts or when taken for longer than several weeks. The remedy is especially indicated for dry, chronic cough with deficiency or productive cough with yellow sputum.
The bark should be used as freshly dried as possible. Soak 4 ounces of the bark in 4 ounces of water for several hours, strain, sweeten with a little honey, and take 2-3 teaspoonfuls, 2-3 x daily. Make a decoction by simmering 4 grams of the bark in 4 ounces of water for a few minutes; let steep for 15 minutes, strain, sweeten to taste, and drink 1/2 cup, 2-3 x daily. As a tincture, put a teaspoon in a little water and sip on it throughout the day.
Wild Cherry has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
Avoid large doses; not for long-term use.
Conditions treated with Wild Cherry
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antitussive
Application
tea, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
sedative
Application
tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antitussive
Application
tea, syrup
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
