Wild cherry

The most common use of wild cherry is for the type of dry, irritable, unproductive cough that may follow a chest infection, in which the cough no longer has any therapeutic value in promoting recovery or restoration of health,  instead depleting the person’s strength, potentially causing pain and resulting in disturbed and unrestorative sleep, thus further contributing to exhaustion (1,2).

Wild cherry may also be used for the persistent cough of chronic bronchitis or that caused by increased irritability of the airways, and in cases of asthma when attacks are seen to typically be triggered by nervousness (3,4,5).

In children, it has a role to play in the treatment of spasmodic conditions, such as croup and whooping cough, however the latter is a serious condition and professional medical advice should be sought promptly (3,4,6,7).

In his 17th century book, The Complete Herbal, Culpeper classifies cherry as a herb of Venus associated with the realm of feelings and the element of water (8.9). This is consistent with folklore throughout Europe and the USA in which cherry is seen to represent love, romance and enticement (10). 

Within Japanese culture, the fleeting nature of cherry blossom, often appearing suddenly and lasting only a brief length of time, is seen to symbolise the concept of ‘mono no aware’; that nothing in life is permanent and each moment should be appreciated despite a little melancholy at its passing (10,11). 

Cherry blossom flower essence is indicated for those individuals whose hearts and minds have become closed and are unable to feel compassion. It is said to increase non-judgemental thoughts and acceptance of others as well as the ability to transcend negativity.

The consumption of wild cherry has been suggested to go back as far back as 6000 years ago during the early Neolithic era. More recently, around 400 BCE, its uses were mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus (12). In the 17th century, Culpeper described its virtues as being “good for a cold, cough and hoarse-ness of the throat, mends the colour in the face, sharpens the eyesight, provokes appetite, and helps break and expel the stone…” (8).

Wild cherry was widely used and considered to be among the indispensable medicinal plants in the 19th century by both indigenous American peoples and early European settlers to the Americas. It is included in the Kings American Dispensatory, an Eclectic medical publication of the time that validated and recognised the knowledge and experience of the traditional plant medicine knowledge of the people native to the land (2,13). Here it is described as having a tonic and stimulating action on the digestive system, whilst sedating and calming the circulation and nervous system. Its main indications are considered to be the relief of mucous membrane irritation in the gastrointestinal, respiratory or urinary tracts.

It was said to be best suited to chronic conditions, in convalescence when it might be employed to lessen an irritating cough seen to be lessening the strength of the patient and to relieve pain or soreness in the chest (13,14,15). A cough formula from this time, Elixir Pinus Compositus, combined wild cherry bark with other plant derived ingredients including fresh white pine bark (Pinus strobus), balm of Gilead (Populus balsamifera), spikenard (Aralia racemosa), ipecac (Carapichea ipecacuanha) along with the addition of substances including chloroform, morphine and ammonium chloride, which was described as “an excellent preparation” (13,16). 

It was traditionally used by women of the Cherokee peoples to alleviate labour pains and to promote a prompt delivery, although in modern herbal medicine its use during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, is cautioned due to its potential teratogenic effects (17,18). Peoples of the Penobscot Nation of the Northeastern regions of America traditionally used the boiled bark to treat diarrhoea (15).

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), wild cherry is considered to be indicated when there is ‘heart fire blazing’, manifesting as symptoms including agitation, nervousness, restlessness, rapid pulse or palpitations and the tongue is seen to be yellow coated with a red tip (19).

Respiratory

Although wild cherry has a strong cough suppressing effect, it is important to consider that inhibition of the cough reflex does not treat the cause of the cough, such as a chest infection, and may be detrimental to recovery. Its use for patients with productive coughs may actively worsen the underlying condition (1,20). Its gentle, relaxing, antispasmodic actions are more indicated in those patients whose primary symptoms of respiratory infection are resolved, however they develop an ongoing irritating, spasmodic cough that depletes their strength, causes pain and disturbs sleep, further exhausting them, or in cases of chronic bronchitis, debilitates the patient (1,2,21).

Its pulmonary antispasmodic actions may also be useful in preventing and relieving the acute bronchospasm of asthma particularly for individuals in whom stress often causes breathlessness that may lead to an asthma attack (1,5). It is considered to be specific for tracheitis, an inflammation of the trachea that may follow bacterial or viral infection, however this is often a serious condition, particularly in children, and emergency medical attention should be sought without delay (3).

In cases of asthma, it is most useful where the tissues of the throat or lungs are irritated, producing a spasmodic cough along with whistling or wheezing in the airways (7,15,22). For this and other conditions such as irritable or chronic coughs it combines well with other soothing demulcent herbs such as coltsfoot (Tussilago farrara), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) mullein (Verbascum thapsus), marshmallow (Althea officinalis)  or goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea),  as well as other antispasmodic herbs with an affinity for the respiratory system, such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris)  as a tincture, tea or throat pastille (7,17,21,22).

Digestive

Although the uses of wild cherry are predominately associated with conditions affecting the lower respiratory system, its long history of use for digestive complaints remains relevant in modern herbal practice today. Once again the indication is one of irritability or when symptoms such as indigestion, loss of appetite, chronic diarrhoea or irritable bowel symptoms are triggered by nervousness or anxiety (3,17,21).

Nervous

Wild cherry is considered to have a sedative action on the nervous system, relieving nervous excitability and may be used in times of prolonged irritation (6,21).

Cardiovascular

The sedative properties of wild cherry are also seen in its action of the cardiovascular system. It has been said to “relieve arterial excitement” (21), and may be included in a formula for an irregular heart beat (19). Along with fruits such as bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), grape and pomegranate, the juice of the cherries may be beneficial in cases of capillary fragility due to its high flavonoid content (23).

Inflammation of the eyes

Due to the high tannin content, an external topical preparation of a cold infusion of wild cherry bark can be used as a compress for wounds or acute inflammatory conditions of the eyes (20,21). 

Phytopharmacological possibilities of bird cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. species and their bioactive phytochemicals

This 2020 study aimed to review evidence from in vitro and in vivo investigation of potential cardiovascular, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antidiabetic actions of two species of cherry, P. serotina and P, padus including phytochemicals found in the flowers, fruit, leaves and bark of these species. 

The high phenolic compound content of wild cherry was demonstrated to be directly related to both its antioxidant and vasodilating effects, which were synergistically increased by the triterpenes also present within wild cherry — suggesting potential benefits in many cardiovascular conditions. Both this study and previously published work by other authors indicate that the antioxidant activity is positively correlated with that of the flavonoid content. These polyphenolic compounds were demonstrated to be highest in the peel of the fruit however were also observed to be present in the leaf, flesh, fruit and bark of the tree. 

Methanol extracts of the plant stem were found to contain compounds including anthocyanins, cyanogenic glycosides and flavonoids, which were shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory properties through strongly influencing the inhibition of nitric oxide production and cyclooxygenase-2 expression consequently seen to suppress inflammatory mediators. The study confirmed that the extract was effective at reducing inflammatory swelling in vivo as well as through in vitro conditions. This was combined with analgesic effects comparable to those of strong painkiller medications, such as tramadol, suggested to be through its action as a partial opioid agonist.

The potentially antibacterial effects of extracts from the seeds of wild cherry were demonstrated to be effective against a range of pathogenic bacteria including methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, the leaves and branches were shown to exhibit alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which has been seen to be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by modulating the increase of blood glucose levels (12).

Nutraceutical value of black cherry Prunus serotina Ehrh. fruits: Antioxidant and antihypertensive properties

This research from 2013 investigated the potential vasorelaxant and antihypertensive properties of the polyphenolic compounds contained in wild cherry fruit based on traditional usage in Mexico. Both an aqueous and alcohol extraction of these compounds were demonstrated to elicit the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.

It was surmised that the vasodilatory effects of these extracts is likely to be a synergistic response between the quercetin glycosides along with phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and proanthocyanadins, which have previously been seen to have antihypertensive properties. Laboratory studies involving induced hypertension in rats indicated that although significant reductions in systolic blood pressure were seen in the hypertensive rats, the control subjects with normal blood pressure who also received the extract had no change in their blood pressure. These results were considered sufficiently robust to include the consumption of wild cherry fruit as a functional food as part of a strategy for preventing and treating cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension (24).

Prunus avium L.; Phytochemistry, nutritional and pharmacological review

This review published in 2021 examined the phytochemical constituents of a species of cherry, P. avium, that may be used interchangeably with P. serotina by some practitioners. The chemical compounds including  cyanidin 3-sophoroside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside were seen to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective and diuretic actions in addition to demonstrating some cytotoxic, antigenotoxic and anti-cancer properties indicating its potential application to be treatment of many chronic disease states including inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, arthritis and cancer alongside its more frequent use in the treatment of irritable coughs and other spasmodic conditions affecting the lungs and lower respiratory tracts such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

A review of the literature available indicated that the consumption of wild cherry was seen to decrease markers for oxidative stress and inflammation, reduced hypertension, decreased symptoms of arthritis, improved sleep and had a positive effect on exercise induced muscle pain and loss of strength in a significant percentage of human studies (25).

The botanical name for this species of cherry, serotina, is derived from the Latin term ‘serotinus’ which translates as ‘coming late’; referring to the fact that in contrast to other species of cherry, wild cherry blossom appears much later in the season (26).

One of its less frequently used common names, rum cherry, is derived from it having been used by Appalachian settlers to flavour home produced or low quality rum and brandy to create a spirit known as cherry bounce (26).

Although toxic if consumed, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, other parts of the wild cherry tree can be used for various external purposes. The leaves can be used to produce a green pigment suitable for dying wool or fabrics whilst the wood is prized among woodworkers for its close, straight grain, smooth finish producing a fine polish resulting in its use for high quality furniture and interior finishing (27).

The bark is said to be effective as a hair rinse to decrease tangling and make combing easier, particularly in combination with ragwort or nettle (Urtica diocia), and as an external remedy for cellulite (28).

Wild cherry, whilst originally considered native to North America, can now be found throughout much of the USA and was introduced to Europe for cultivation of its wood as timber  (26,37,39). It grows naturally in uncultivated fields, forest edges and open woodlands (27). In the US it is considered a pioneer species, and a key species in secondary forest succession, being rapidly established in areas that have been clear cut for the timber harvesting industry providing both soil stability and shade cover as the forest floor regenerates (38,40).

Wild cherry (Prunus serotina) has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2018 and is listed as ‘Least Concern’. (41).

Throughout the Northern American states during the early 20th century, pioneer species such as wild cherry were seen to thrive due to policies of clear-cutting existing forests for timber harvesting and the increased presence of nitrogen created by industrialisation. For many years this abundance of prized and in-demand wood was seen to significantly benefit the timber industry. However, since the start of the 21st century the populations of wild cherry have been seen to diminish. Research into reasons why these previously dominant species appears to be in decline, and potential solutions to this are ongoing (40).

In contrast to this, wild cherry is currently considered to be one of the 100 most invasive non-native species in Europe. It’s spread through the temperate forested environments of northern-western European, particularly at times of forest regeneration or where there is high grazing pressure from local herbivores is seen to be competing for available resources with the indigenous flora of the regions (36,42).

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

Wild cherry is a relatively fast growing tree that needs to be located in a warm sunny location. It can be grown from both seeds or the shoots are seen on the roots or at the bottom of the main trunk of the tree (27,43). It will thrive in a well drained, loamy soil or limestone and benefits from the presence of some chalk in the soil although excess of this may result in it becoming pale. It normally first produces fruit at about ten years and may continue to do so for up to a 100 years in the wild producing a particularly heavy crop approximately every four years however, as with many other members of the Prunus genus, it is susceptible to honey fungus (27).

The flowers are insect pollinated, attracting a diversity of flies, beetles and species of bees including the honey bee. Although self-pollination has been evidenced, the resulting flowers failed to develop into viable seeds (26). If the intention of cultivating wild cherry is for the harvesting of the bark for medicinal use it should be coppiced on a 4–5 year rotation (43).

Harvesting

The majority of sources recommend harvesting the bark in Spring, before the opening of the first buds, when the cyanogenic glycosides are at their lowest levels. The bark should be stripped before drying (2,43). Although it is claimed by some that wild cherry bark does not store well and loses its medicinal properties within a year, others refute this and report that in their experience they have seen it to retain these qualities for over two years. As with all plant medicines this is best assessed through organoleptic observation of the plant matter and if a cold infusion of the bark produces a deep cherry aroma with a rich orange red colouration then the likelihood is that it has retained its medicinal actions (17,27,44).

Wild cherry cough relief syrup

An effective and palatable remedy for the relief of irritating coughs in children and adults. Not for use during pregnancy. Caution advised for use by individuals with high blood pressure, cardiac related oedema or congestive heart failure (Adapted from Aunty Aviva’s Cough Syrup blend) (7).

Ingredients

• Wild cherry bark – 1 part
• Angelica root – 2 parts
• Coltsfoot – 2 parts
• Mullein – 2 parts
• Marshmallow root – 2 parts
• Liquorice – 2 parts
• Thyme – 2 parts
• Anise seed – 2 parts
• Burdock root – 2 parts
• Boiling water

(Although the original recipe also contains slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) and lobelia (Lobelia inflata), these have been omitted due to potential sustainability concerns regarding slippery elm and the status of lobelia as a Schedule 20 practitioner only herb in some parts of the world including the UK).

How to make wild cherry cough syrup

• For each 30 g of the combined herb mixture, add one litre of boiling water and leave to steep for two hours.
• Strain the plant material and simmer the resulting liquid gently over a low heat until it has reduced to approximately 250 ml. Sweeten to taste with honey, sugar or maple sugar. Store in the fridge and use within two months. 
• Dosage is 5 ml for children between 1–3 years per day, 10 ml for older children and up to 20 ml as needed for adults.

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