Wild Cherry Bark Prunus serotina

Botanical Information

Common Names: Wild Cherry, Black Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus serotina

Family: Rosaceae

Description: A tall, graceful tree with glossy leaves, fragrant blossoms, and dark cherries. The bark—when properly aged—is a classic respiratory remedy for irritated coughs and restless lungs.

History & Tradition

• A staple of North American Indigenous medicine for coughs, colds, and fevers.
• Adopted by Eclectic physicians as a premier anti-tussive and heart tonic.
• Used to soothe irritated mucosa and calm spasmodic coughs.

Cultivation & Parts Used

Parts Used: Inner bark (dried and aged).

Growing Conditions: Rich woodland soils; eastern North America.

Collection: Harvested from young branches; bark must be dried to neutralize cyanogenic compounds.

Doctrine of Signatures

The smooth, aromatic bark that “relaxes” when aged mirrors its ability to release tension in the chest and soothe spasmodic, irritating coughs.

Medicinal & Energetic Properties

Constituents

Cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin), tannins, flavonoids, volatile oils.

Actions

Anti-tussive • Sedative (respiratory) • Astringent • Mild antispasmodic • Febrifuge

Taste & Energetics

Taste: Bitter, aromatic, slightly sweet

Energetics: Cooling • Drying • Calming

Tissue States: Hot • Irritated • Tense respiratory tissues

Internal Uses

• Dry, irritating coughs with restless agitation.
• Pertussis or lingering post-infective coughs.
• Mild fevers with irritability.
• Heart palpitations of nervous origin (traditional).

Topical Uses

Rarely used topically; occasionally in chest rubs.

Combinations

• With Mullein for dry spasm coughs.
• With Licorice for soothing inflamed tissues.

Homeopathic Remedy

Prunus used for cardiac and respiratory irritability.

Flower Essence

Relieves chest tension, emotional compression, and breath constriction.

Essential Oil

Not produced; constituents arise only in the bark.

Culinary Use

Not used in food; cherries themselves are edible but bark is medicinal only.

Safety Notes

• Raw fresh bark contains cyanogenic glycosides—must be dried before use.
• Avoid large doses; generally safe when properly prepared.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Spiritual & Ritual Uses

Clears heaviness from the chest and emotional body, allowing renewed breath and calmness.

Astroherbalism

Planetary Rulership: Moon

Zodiac: Cancer

Signature: Soothing, calming, releasing tension.

Chakra Correspondence

Heart & Throat: Breath, release, emotional ease.

Cosmic Ray

Pale Moon-Blue Ray: Calm, cool, release.

Alchemy & Spagyrics

Salt (Body): Tones and calms respiratory tissues.

Sulfur (Soul): Softens agitation and emotional tightness.

Mercury (Spirit): Carries breath and coolness to inflamed regions.

Spagyric Purpose: To soothe, cool, and ease cough and chest irritation.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

Cooling • Soothing • Relaxing • Breath-calming

Tarot Correspondence

Four of Cups: Withdrawal, calming, emotional quiet.

Keywords: Anti-tussive • Cooling • Respiratory Soother • Calming