As winter progresses, wild cherry bark
can help you with any coughs or colds that come along. Considered one
of the most precious herbs to the Native Americans, it can be used in
a variety of ways. Known best as a cough suppressant, one can often find wild cherry
bark syrup at their local natural food or herb store.
Because it is also a bronchiodilator, it not only suppresses
coughing (very useful if it is keeping you up at night), it can also open up your airways. Its astringent actions reduce mucus, and its gentle nervine action helps you to feel soothed. Being a
member of the rose family, it is not surprising that wild cherry bark is also a
wonderful heart tonic. It both tones the heart and aids in relieving
congestion of the cardiovascular system. It can help remedy heart
conditions such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure.
Wild cherry bark is also considered a wonderful
digestive tonic. Being a bitter, it promotes the secretion of digestive
juices, which help the breakdown of food and aid in the absorption of
nutrients. Additionally, it can tone and strengthen the digestive
system and can be useful for cases of indigestion.
Many Native America tribes used the
berries and inner bark to treat worms and diarrhea. Used as a
poultice, wild cherry bark and root have proved to be useful in
treating a variety of skin problems and wounds. The inner bark was
applied as a poultice on cuts, ulcers, wounds, and burns by the
Chippewa tribe.
Prunus serotina (wild cherry) is very closely related to prunus virginia and both are often referred to as chokecherry. According to the Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, "When Captain Meriwether Lewis fell ill with fever and abdominal cramps on the Lewis and Clark expedition, he was on his feet the next day after being dosed with chokecherry twigs simmered in water."
Prunus serotina (wild cherry) is very closely related to prunus virginia and both are often referred to as chokecherry. According to the Field Guide to Medicinal Wild Plants, "When Captain Meriwether Lewis fell ill with fever and abdominal cramps on the Lewis and Clark expedition, he was on his feet the next day after being dosed with chokecherry twigs simmered in water."
Wild cherry should be avoided in large doses and for long
periods of time. In addition, avoid if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a doctor if you are taking it with medications because wild
cherry bark can affect how they are are broken down by the liver.
by Theresa Musatto
by Theresa Musatto
