Medicinal Plants : Prunus serotina

Name

Wild Cherry Bark

Biological Name

Prunus serotina
Rosaceae

Other Names

Wild Cherry Bark, Virginia Prune Bark

Parts Used

Dried bark

Active Compounds

Prunasin, a cyanogenetic glycoside. The pharmacologists main interest in Wild Cherry Bark is due to the presence of the cyanogenetic glycoside prunasin.

Benzaldehyde

Miscellaneous; 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (= eudesmic acid), p-coumaric acid, scopoletin (a coumarin derivative), tannins, sugars.

History

There is a long tradition of using wild cherry syrups to treat coughs and other lung problems. It has also been used to treat diarrhea and for relief of pain.

Remedies For

Anti-tussive, expectorant, astringent, nervine, anti-spasmodic.

Wild Cherry Bark is used mainly in the treatment of irritating coughs, bronchitis and whooping cough. It is used with other herbs in the control of asthma. Note that the inhibition of a cough does not equate with the healing of a chest infection; it should be treated. This herb may also be used as a bitter where digestion is sluggish. The cold infusion of the bark may be helpful as a wash in cases of inflammation of the eyes.

Traditional herbalists recommend this herb for rapid, weak circulation; continual irritative cough, with profuse muco-purulent expectoration; cardiac palpitation, from debility; dyspnoea; pyrexia; loss of appetite; and cardiac pain.

Combinations : May be used widely with many different herbs.

Description

Although native to North America, wild cherry trees now grow in many other countries.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l teaspoonful of the dried bark and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

Very large amounts of wild cherry pose the theoretical risk of causing cyanide poisoning. However, this has not been observed in clinical practice, making it a very safe herbal remedy. No other information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.