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Prunus serotina (Rosaceae)
WILD CHERRY, VIRGINIAN PRUNE BARK
The bark of wild cherry has been
used in cough syrups for centuries and is still employed by herbalists today
for irritable and unproductive coughs. A related herb, P. yedoensis,
is used for coughs in Chinese medicine.
Wild cherry bark has been included in cough syrups for centuries.
Several other Prunus species have been used in medicines, but wild cherry is still one of the most useful in contemporary herbal medicine.
Widely distributed throughout North America, it is a large tree with oval leaves and clusters of white flowers in spring.
The bark is smooth, red-brown and shiny, and has a bitter astringent taste.
PARTS USED
Bark.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Cyanogenetic glycoside,
prunasin; coumarins; tannins; resin.
ACTIONS
Inhibits coughing; sedative; astringent.
MEDICINAL USE
Used in cough syrups for irritable and unproductive coughs and has been given for digestive problems.
Chinese physicians prescribe P. yedoensis for coughs.
PREPARATIONS
Syrup, tincture.
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