Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), also known as black cherry, is native to North America. Indigenous peoples used the bark to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments.
The bark contains prunasin, which has sedative and cough-suppressing properties.
Early European settlers adopted its use, and wild cherry became a common ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges. The tree’s wood is also highly valued for furniture and cabinetry. In modern herbal medicine, wild cherry bark is used to soothe the respiratory tract, relieve coughs, and act as a mild sedative.
Its expectorant and antispasmodic properties make it a popular choice for treating bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
