Cherry Bark Tea: Learn the Health Benefits of Cherry Bark
Health Benefits of Cherry Bark Tea
Other common names: Wild Black Cherry, Black Cherry, Wild Cherry Bark
This native North American tree can reach a height of 80 feet. It has dark green oval leaves with pointy tips, white flowers that blossom in spring, and dark purplish-red fruits that mature in late summer and early fall. The part of the tree used medicinally is the bark. Active constituents include scopoletin, p-coumaric acid, acetylcholine, kaempferol, HCN, quercetin, and tannins.
Many years ago, the Native Americans would make a tea from cherry bark to relieve diarrhea and treat lung ailments, among other problems. The Mohegans took it to treat dysentery, the Cherokees used it in the early stages of labor to relieve pain, and the Meskwakis would use it as a sedative. Today, cherry bark is most commonly used to treat coughs (including dry coughs and whooping cough) and can be found in many commercial cough drops and syrups.
Other possible benefits of cherry bark tea include:
- boosting the immune system
- having antibacterial and antiviral qualities
- treating pulmonary conditions such as colds, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis
- soothing a sore throat
- reducing fever and ridding the body of toxins by increasing perspiration
- relieving sinus pain
- destroying and expelling intestinal parasites
- relieving muscle spasms
- slowing a nervous, rapid heartbeat
- lowering blood pressure
- decreasing inflammation
- preventing cell damage from free radicals
- benefiting poor digestion, dyspepsia, excess flatulence, and gastritis
- lowering blood sugar.
Preparing Cherry Bark Tea
Add 1 teaspoon of powdered cherry bark to 1 cup of hot water. If desired, add honey or lemon. Drink 1 cup up to 3 times a day.
To treat inflammation of the eyes, let the tea cool and use as an eye wash.
Store cherry bark in an air tight container and protect it from light.
Precautions of Cherry Bark Tea
Cherry bark contains hydrocyanic acid and can be harmful if taken in large amounts or used over a long period of time.
Women who are pregnant or nursing and children under the age of 2 should not drink cherry bark tea. Individuals taking medications should consult with a health care provider before use.
Disclaimer
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