Medicinal Uses of Wild Cherry Bark
Wild cherry is a native plant of North America. The botanical name of the wild cherry tree is Prunus serotina. This plant is a member of the rose family. The bark of the wild cherry tree is used for treating several illnesses.
The bark of the tree is grounded and added to a cup of hot water to make wild cherry bark tea. Wild cherry bark is also used for making syrups. Due to the presence of prussic acid, which can be harmful when consumed in excess amount, wild cherry bark should not be consumed for a long period. Prussic acid also makes wild cherry bark unsuitable for people suffering from kidney and liver diseases.
Medicinal uses of wild cherry bark
Remedy for respiratory illnesses
Wild cherry bark tea or syrup is recommended for treating several respiratory illnesses. It is primarily used for treating coughs. The expectorant action of wild cherry bark helps to cure coughs. It could help to cure irritating coughs and bronchitis. It is recommended by folk healers for treating pertussis or whooping cough. By clearing the air passage, wild cherry bark could also help to reduce the symptoms of asthma. Although, wild cherry bark is effective in reducing cough, it might not cure the underlying respiratory infection. However, the sedative property of wild cherry bark medications make them unsuitable for people suffering from hypertension or problems of high blood pressure.
Cures digestion problems
Folk healers prescribe wild cherry bark for treating digestion problems. This herb could help to cure dyspepsia. Indigestion could be easily treated by taking a cup of tea prepared with a teaspoon of powdered wild cherry bark. This herbal tea is particularly effective in treating catarrhal dyspepsia or hyperacidity. Chronic diarrhea could also be cured with wild cherry bark.
Ophthalmia remedy
Acute ophthalmia characterized by inflammation of the eyes could be treated with wild cherry bark. Cold decoction of wild cherry bark could be used as an eye wash for reducing the eye inflammation.
Treats palpitation
The sedative property of wild cherry bark makes it a suitable herb for treating cardiac palpitation not caused by any serious cardiac ailment.
