Why You Need Wild Cherry Bark

Wild Cherry Bark, Prunus serotina, is an herb that is often lesser known. The bark is stripped from young plants in early fall, and dried in the shade to avoid losing the essential oil properties.

It has anti-tussive, expectorant, astrigent and sedative properties. It has a traditional use of being used as a cough suppressant, colds, fever and sore throats.

wild cherry bark post

This is one herb that would be a “must have” in any natural medicine apothecary. Some cautions in use of wild cherry bark, also known as contradications, include cyanogenic glycosides that can be toxic in large doses or if used long term. It is not for use during pregnancy due to the teratogenic effects.

Clinical studies support that it helps to alleviate that nagging cough, such as with bronchitis or the flu. It does this by acting as a sedative to the body during the cough reflex.

Honey is also supported in clinical studies to help with coughing and to soothe an irritated throat. Drink 2-3 times a day while symptoms persist.

Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup

adapted from Jessie Hawkins recipe

  • 75 grams dried black elderberries
  • 10 g dried wild cherry bark
  • 1 cup local honey

Begin by adding the dried herbs to 4 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and allow the herbs to continue to boil until liquid is reduced by half. Strain the herbs and add honey.

Stir to combine and store in a tightly covered container in the fridge. We use 1 Tablespoon, 3 times a day for adults, and 1 teaspoon 3 times a day for our kids ages 2-10.

3 thoughts on “Why You Need Wild Cherry Bark”

  1. Learning about herb lore is very important to me.I love that you give information and recipes! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on the Homestead Blog Hop. I hope we see you there again today. Pinned and shared.

  2. This is a great post! I had no idea about wild cherry bark!

    Thanks for linking up with Green Thumb Thursday. I hope to see you again this week!
    Lisa

  3. I have never even heard of wild cherry bark before, but now I definitely want to look into buying some and giving it a try! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at Merry Monday! We hope you’ll join us again this week! 🙂

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *