Who has not tasted Wild Cherry cough drops or cough syrup? There is a
reason: Wild Cherry Bark is a fine expectorant that loosens and
expels phlegm from the lungs and has helped bronchitis, colds, flu,
dry coughs, tuberculosis and many other pulmonary complaints. It also
acts as a mild sedative that not only may calm coughs, but also
nervous irritability and nervous indigestion.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended
for educational purposes only. These statements have not been
evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any
supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health
care provider.
History:
The Cherry tree is a native of Asia, and was imported to Europe and
North America, but the Wild Cherry is believed to be a native of
North America, and grows from Canada to the Carolinas and Florida in
the United States. It is a large, deciduous tree with a rough,
reddish-brown bark and lustrous, dark green, oval, serrate leaves
with pointy tips, and it bears small, delicate white flowers that
bloom in April. The flowers are followed by one-seeded, purplish-red
fruits that ripen in late summer and early autumn. The tree, which
may reach a height of one hundred feet, can be found wild in moist
woodlands and thickets, by riverbanks, or cultivated in well-drained,
neutral-to-alkaline soil in sun, and it is prone to frost damage in a
cold spring. The Cherry has been a source of food, drink and
medicinal preparations since time immemorial. In North America, the
early colonists included Wild Cherry Bark in cough medicines, and
they probably learned of the plant's medicinal qualities from the
Native Americans, who utilized the bark for diarrhea and lung
ailments. The Mohegans used it to cure dysentery; the Cherokees used
it to relieve pain in the early stages of labor; and the Meskwakis
used it as a sedative. Wild Cherry Bark was officially listed in the
United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 through 1975, as a sedative
and antitussive - proving both Native Americans and early settlers
correct in their medicinal applications. The Wild Cherry is one of
many species of Prunus, which includes cherries and plums, among
others, and has been an inspiration in Japanese art for centuries.
Interestingly, a highly controversial cancer treatment (called
laetrile) that has been conducted in Germany and Mexico (which is
debunked by the medical community in the United States) includes
amygdalin, a substance that is found in Wild Cherry Bark and other
members of the Prunus genus, i.e., plums, almonds, peaches, apricots
and sweet cherries. Wild Cherry Bark is also an extremely valuable
commercial commodity. Its wood has been important in furniture
making, and few people have not tasted cough drops and cough
medicines made from Wild Cherry Bark. The fruit is also included in
jellies, jams, wines, soft drinks and syrups. Because the Wild Cherry
is so naturally sour, it has sometimes been called Chokecherry, and
it is an aromatic, astringent, warming herb that is an important
factor in herbal medicines. Some of the constituents included in Wild
Cherry Bark are starch, resin, tannin, lignin, essential oil,
benzaldehyde, caffeic acid, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid, quercetin,
scopoletin, ursolic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus,
potassium and zinc.
Beneficial Uses:
Wild Cherry Bark is a fine expectorant that helps to loosen and expel
phlegm from the throat, lungs and chest, and to clear bronchial
tubes. It has been used for centuries to treat pulmonary conditions
such as bronchitis, asthma, dry coughs, tuberculosis, scrofula and
catarrh. Furthermore, its antitussive, cough controlling qualities
have been beneficial in cases of whooping cough, nervous and chronic
coughs, colds and influenza, and for that reason, it is, of course,
familiar to all of us in cough drops and cough syrups.
As a tonic, Wild Cherry Bark has been used to restore and nourish the
entire body and exert a gentle strengthening effect on all body
functions. It is said to be particularly helpful in cases of
convalescent debility and weakness.
Wild Cherry Bark is considered a mild sedative and has been used to
calm irritation, diminish nervous excitability and alleviate nervous
dyspepsia. It is said to be soothing to the nervous system and has
been used to slow a nervous, rapid heartbeat and help a heart that is
characterized by frequent, irregular beats or feeble pulse. The herb
is also thought to be helpful for high blood pressure.
As a tonic for the digestive system, Wild Cherry Bark is believed to
be very beneficial in cases of dyspepsia, poor digestion, gastritis,
excess flatulence and general indigestion. Its astringent qualities
may also help to relieve diarrhea, colitis and dysentery.
Wild Cherry Bark is reputed to have antibacterial, antiviral and a
parasiticidal qualities and has been used to destroy and expel
parasites and worms from the intestinal system.
As a diaphoretic, Wild Cherry Bark encourages sweat, and the
increased perspiration helps to cool the body, bring down fever and
expel toxins through the skin.
Wild Cherry Bark is believed to possess antioxidant properties that
may be helpful in the fight against the oxidative damage to cells and
tissue caused by free radicals. Its amygdalin content is believed to
be the active constituent responsible for this effect.
Used externally, Wild Cherry Bark has been included in poultices that
may be applied to relieve ulcers and abscesses.
Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Wild Cherry Bark, nor
should people who are being treated for hypotension. The leaves and
fruit pits contain poisonous hydrocyanic acid and should never be ingested.
Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for
all of our encapsulated products.
<http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/size-comparison.cfm>(click here
for size comparison)
* Wild Cherry Bark (sold as Cherry Bark) - Botanical Powder --
Approximately 600 mg. each
[Homestead] Homemade tinctures,
Jerry W. Shepperd, 06/14/2006