CHERRY
Prunus virginiana
COMMON NAMES: Wild black cherry, chokecherry.
FEATURES: This large fruit tree is native to North America and is found in Canada, Florida, Minnesota,
Nebraska, Kansas, Louisiana, Texas.
The outside bark is blackish and rugged. The young branches are smooth, red or purplish; flowers
appear after the leaves in May and June, followed by the delicious cherry in August. The bark has a
distinct aromatic odor resembling bitter almond when macerated in water; the taste is astringent and
agreeably bitter. The young, thin bark is the best; very large or small branches should be rejected. Stem
bark is collected in the autumn and carefully dried; sloughing dead tissue, if present, should be removed.
Will keep well in tightly closed container in a dark place.
SOLVENT: Hot or cold water.
MEDICINAL PART: Young thin bark.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Mild tonic, soothing astringent, sedative, pectoral.
USES: Wild cherry bark is extensively used in cough medicines as a vehicle base. This agent is useful in
many other classes of disease. For diarrhea of children it is excellent in the form of syrup and may be
pleasantly combined with neutralizing cordial; indigestion caused by lack of stomach tone will be greatly
relieved. Will relieve cough, bronchitis, scrofula, heart palpitation (should not be used in dry cough),
dyspepsia, hectic fever, debility of protracted and enfeebled cases of congestion in the throat and chest. It
contains a small amount of hydrocyanic acid. The cherry contains malic acid and is high in life-giving
properties.
DOSE: 15 drops in water. Cherry bark will dissolve kidney and bladder stones but should be combined
with other herbs and administered carefully and over a period of several months; when taken too fast the
stones will be expelled without being softened.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Cold infusion or tincture of inner bark; solution of concentrated resinous
extract, prunin for acidity, anorexia, dyspepsia, heart (weakness of, hypertrophy of, irritable), pyrosis.