Prunus (Black Cherry Bark)
Black Cherry (Black Cherry Bark)
Prunus serotina
Astringent bark for dry coughs, joints and settled digestion.
Black cherry tree · Tree · Parts: Bark, Fruit
- Taste (rasa)
- Astringent, Sweet, Sour
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Pitta, Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Soothes dry, irritated coughs and bronchial spasm
- Traditionally used for joint discomfort
- Cools and gently astringes the digestive tract
How it has been used
Traditional uses & benefits
Black cherry bark is a traditional cough remedy of North American herbalism — astringent, slightly sweet and soothing to the respiratory tract.
Traditional uses
- Dry, irritated coughs and bronchial spasm
- Joint discomfort and inflammation
- Digestive cooling and gentle astringency
Practical guidance
- 1Bark is decocted (simmered) for 10-15 minutes; do not use raw bark.
- 2Never chew the pits — they contain cyanide compounds.
- 3Short-term use only; avoid in pregnancy.
How much
Dosage
2-4 ml bark tincture twice daily, or bark decoction, short-term.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Bark decoction
Simmer 1 tsp dried bark in 1 cup water for 10-15 minutes. Strain.
For coughs, up to one week
Cough syrup
Mix the decoction with honey and a little lemon.
As needed for cough
Read this first
Precautions
- Never chew or consume the pits — they contain cyanide
- Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Short-term use only
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Black Cherry used for?
Astringent bark for dry coughs, joints and settled digestion. In traditional use the main applications are: Soothes dry, irritated coughs and bronchial spasm; Traditionally used for joint discomfort; Cools and gently astringes the digestive tract.
What is the typical dosage of Black Cherry?
2-4 ml bark tincture twice daily, or bark decoction, short-term. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Black Cherry be taken?
Bark decoction: Simmer 1 tsp dried bark in 1 cup water for 10-15 minutes. Strain. Timing — For coughs, up to one week
Are there any precautions with Black Cherry?
Never chew or consume the pits — they contain cyanide Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding Short-term use only Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Black Cherry replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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