Prunus Serotina
Updated Jun. 03rd, 2019
Wild black cherries are small, dark and bittersweet. They are often used in baking as well as in jams and jellies and flavouring liqueurs. These deciduous tresses are native to the dry woods of Eastern North America, including Nova Scotia.
The aromatic inner bark of the wild cherry tree was first used by the Native Americans to treat a cough and cold. The bark was made into teas or infusions to reduce fever, control diarrhea, cure headache and ease laryngitis.
Prunus Serotina is also well respected for its actions against a sore throat, lung ailments such as bronchitis and pneumonia, upset stomach and general malaise. You can see why attention has recently turned to the use of prunus serotina for flu prevention and treatment, as well as an everyday cough and cold.
Wild cherry bark contains a glycoside called prunasin which has been found responsible for its anti-spasmodic properties. Prunasin relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the bronchioles. Its sedative effects give it great strength against irritating and persistent coughs that can prevent sleep.
There are no known safety issues with the use of wild cherry bark. It should be noted that the leaves of the wild cherry tree also contain prunasin and when damaged by frost, or drought (when they wilt) or even trampled by animals, the prunasin is broken down and releases cyanide poison. When even small amounts of the damaged leaves are eaten by humans or animals, the consequences can be deadly and symptoms can appear within minutes of ingestion. It is always best to avoid ingesting the berries when you find them in the wild, in case of unseen damage.
