Herb of the Week: Wild Cherry Bark

Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) has been used traditionally for respiratory issues. It has a large amount of an active compound called "prunasin". This hardy herb acts like an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and an astringent in the body (for those of you interested in terms). It helps suppress coughs, reduce phlegm/mucus, and soothes air passages. Adding this to your flu and cold teas is a great idea to help with that nasty chest congestion! It can also be helpful in soothing sore throats. And, it may help you get some sleep as it has mild sedative qualities, which, if you're coughing constantly, you may need more of!

It's antispasmodic actions aren't limited to just your lungs and diaphragm, it can also help reduce any spasms in your stomach if you have that going on. It's astringent properties help with reducing diarrhea or help with digestion and your liver. A note of warning though, it does release tiny traces of cyanide because it's a tree that produces pit fruit and it could interact with other medications that get broken down by the liver. Don't let that stop you from trying it, though. Just make sure you keep to recommended dosages. Oh look at that, recommended dosages follow in the next paragraph!

The recommendation is to use this as part of a tincture or syrup. If you do want to make it into a tea, a long cold infusion (infusing the dried bark for 8+ hours at room temperature) is best. If you're doing a tincture or syrup, the recommended dosage is 1 teaspoon, three to four times daily. If you're going to do a cold infusion tea, use only 1-2 teaspoons of the dried bark (daily, divided into 1–3 doses). Don't use this for longer than 10 days.

Here's a recipe for a Wild Cherry Bark cough syrup:

• 2 tbsp dried Wild Cherry Bark into 16-24oz of distilled water. Let sit overnight or for at least 8 hours. (This is more than the recommended amount because we will be diluting it with honey as well.)

• Strain the Wild Cherry Bark mixture into a small or medium sized pot.

• Add 2-3 tsp of Marshmallow Root.

• Bring to a simmer and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.

• Strain into a bowl and add about 1 cup of local honey and whisk until blended.

• Store in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator.

• Take 1 tsp every few hours.

Now, how about the significance of this herb in witchcraft? First off, Wild Cherry Bark is associated with Venus and the element of Water so it's perfect for "sweetening" spells. It's also great for emotional healing and helping expand psychic abilities (probably because of its sedative qualities). It can be used as a "boosting" herb in a spell that feels like it's stalled, so kind of a "giddy up, let's wake up" spell additive. Historically, it's been used as a way to create "invisibility" in that it can make you unnoticeable which would be great for those famous people who need a bit of anonymity occasionally, right?? Or when you haven't done your reading for a class and don't want the teacher to call on you?? Anyway, you can also burn this as an incense to help bring clarity, clear mental distractions and help focus your inner sight.

Will you be trying to use Wild Cherry Bark as an herbal medicine, a staple in your witchy apothecary, or both?