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HERB ALLEY
Wild Cherry Bark
(Prunus serotina)
COMMON NAMES: Black choke,
choke cherry, rum cherry, wild black cherry.
MEDICINAL PART: Bark.
DESCRIPTION: Wild black
cherry is a large tree which grows from Nova Scotia to Florida and as far
west as the Dakotas and Arizona. Growing up to 100 feet high and
reaching 4 to 5 feet in diameter, the trunk is covered with rough, black
bark. The alternate, stiff, oblong to oval leaves have serrate margins
and are shiny green above and lighter underneath. The small white
flowers grow in lateral racemes, appearing when the leaves are half or
more grown. The fruit is a nearly spherical, purple-black drupe,
a half inch or less in diameter, ripening in late summer and autumn
PROPERTIES AND USES:
Astringent, sedativem stomachic. The bark of wild black cherry was
once a favorite ingredient in cough and cold medicines. Its effectiveness
was attributed to a sedative action on the respiratory nerves.
American Indians had many uses for wild black cherry: one tribe used a
tea made from inner bark to ease pain during labor; others used a tea of
the bark for diarrhea and lung problems. A decoction of the inner
bark served one tribe as an enema for hemorrhoids; and another tribe cured
dysentery by drinking the juice of the ripe cherries which had been allowed
to ferment for a year. Caution: The leaves, especially when
wilted, have poisoned cattle.
PREPERATION AND DOSAGE:
Use bark collected in the fall. Do not boil wild black cherry bark.
Infusion: Steep 1 tsp
bark in 1 cup hot or warm water. Take 1 to 2 cups a day, a mouthful
at a time.
Tincture: A dose is from
10 to 15 drops, taken in water. For digestive problems, fill
a quart bottle half full of bark and fill with brandy or whiskey.
Let stand for a week and strain. Take a tablespoon or more before
meals to stimulate appetite and digestion.
The Herb Book by
John Lust
