Wild cherry's therapeutic uses
Wild cherry, derived from the bark of the wild cherry tree, is traditionally recognized for its therapeutic properties, particularly in Indigenous American and later European practices. This natural remedy is primarily known for treating respiratory issues such as coughs, whooping cough, and bronchitis, as well as offering anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, wild cherry is used to address digestive disorders, gout, and diarrhea, while also promoting cardiovascular and skin health. The herb has mild sedative effects, potentially aiding in relaxation and sleep improvement. However, while wild cherry has been incorporated into many cough syrups, scientific validation of its benefits remains limited, with a need for more rigorous studies. It's considered safe at recommended dosages, but caution is advised due to its small cyanide content, particularly for children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney issues. Furthermore, wild cherry may interact with certain medications, necessitating careful monitoring when used concurrently.
Wild cherry's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Cough, anti-inflammatory, digestive issues, sedation, cardiovascular support
Overview
The bark of the wild cherry tree is a traditional Indigenous American remedy for two seemingly unrelated conditions: respiratory infections and anxiety. European settlers quickly adopted the herb for similar purposes. Wild cherry has also been shown to treat some lung, heart, skin, and digestive conditions.
Therapeutic Dosages
Syrups containing wild cherry should be taken as directed.
Therapeutic Uses
Over time, wild cherry has become primarily used as a component of cough syrups. It is tempting to connect the two traditional uses of wild cherry by imagining that it functions like codeine to affect both the mind and the cough reflex. However, this is just speculation, and further scientific evaluation continued in wild cherry in the twenty-first century.
Wild cherry has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation and provide an astringent effect. Conditions that are helped by supplementation with wild cherry include lung issues, such as whooping cough, bronchitis, and colds; digestive disorders; gout; and diarrhea. It has also been shown to promote heart and skin health. Its mild sedative effects may promote relaxation and improve sleep.
There is a lack of double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials of wild cherry. While this does not mean wild cherry is ineffective, it does indicate that more study is needed.
Safety Issues
Wild cherry is generally regarded as safe when used at recommended dosages. However, since it contains small amounts of cyanide, it should not be taken in excess. It is not recommended for use by young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. Evidence suggests that wild cherry interacts with various medications by affecting their metabolism in the liver. Caution should be taken when combining medication with wild cherry with medications changed by the liver, including lovastatin, fexofenadine, and triazolam, amongst others.
Bibliography
Budzinski, J. W., et al. "An In Vitro Evaluation of Human Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibition by Selected Commercial Herbal Extracts and Tinctures." Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, vol. 7, 2000, pp. 273-282.
"Wild Cherry." Traditional Medicinals, www.traditionalmedicinals.com/blogs/herb-library/wild-cherry. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.
"Wild Cherry Benefits." Indigo Herbs, www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/natural-health-guide/benefits/wild-cherry. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.
"Wild Cherry: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions." RxList, www.rxlist.com/supplements/wild‗cherry.htm. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.