Old Indian wild cherry bark syrup has been used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The main active ingredient in wild cherry bark is a compound called prunasin, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
What are the claimed health benefits of wild cherry bark syrup?
Here are some of the most common traditional uses and claimed health benefits of old Indian wild cherry bark syrup:
- Relieving coughs and sore throats – The syrup is often used as a cough suppressant due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory effects.
- Easing digestive issues – Wild cherry bark contains compounds that relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and act as a mild laxative, making it useful for constipation relief.
- Providing pain relief – The anti-inflammatory compounds in the bark may help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with headaches, joint pain, and muscle aches.
- Boosting immunity – Wild cherry bark has high antioxidant levels that may help strengthen the immune system and fight illness.
- Aiding sleep – Some proponents claim the syrup has mild sedative effects that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
However, it’s important to note that many of these traditional uses have not been confirmed by large scientific studies. More research is still needed to validate the beneficial effects of old Indian wild cherry bark syrup.
What’s in wild cherry bark syrup?
The main active compound found in wild cherry bark is prunasin. Prunasin is a glycoside – a type of compound where a sugar molecule is bound to a non-sugar molecule.
When prunasin is metabolized in the body, it breaks down into hydrogen cyanide, which is then converted into thiocyanate. Thiocyanate has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that are believed to be responsible for many of the medicinal benefits of wild cherry bark.
Wild cherry bark syrup also contains other plant compounds like tannins, gallic acid, and flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds add to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cough-relieving effects of the syrup.
Is wild cherry bark syrup safe?
When used appropriately, wild cherry bark syrup is likely safe for most people. However, there are some potential side effects and precautions to be aware of:
- May cause nausea or stomach upset – High doses may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
- Can interact with medications – Compounds in wild cherry may interact with sedative medications, cough suppressants, blood thinners, and drugs broken down by the liver.
- Not suitable for children – Due to its cyanide content, wild cherry bark is not considered safe for infants or young children.
- May cause nervous system effects – Prunasin has the potential to cause paralysis, seizures, or respiratory failure at very high doses.
- Caution with autoimmune disorders – Compounds in wild cherry bark may stimulate the immune system, so those with autoimmune conditions should use cautiously.
Always talk to your doctor before taking wild cherry bark syrup, especially if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions. Do not exceed recommended dosages.
What is the recommended dosage?
There is no standard recommended dosage for wild cherry bark syrup as it is not an approved medication. However, most herbal medicine experts suggest the following general dosage guidelines:
- Children under 12 years: Do not use due to cyanide risk.
- Older children and teens: 5-10 mL taken 1-2 times per day.
- Adults: 10-30 mL taken up to 3 times daily.
It’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed to reduce the risk of side effects. The syrup should not be taken for more than 1-2 weeks consecutively without medical approval.
How long does it take for wild cherry bark syrup to work?
The time it takes for wild cherry bark syrup to become effective can vary between individuals. Some people may notice benefits within the first day or two of use. However, it typically takes at least 1 week of consistent use for the full effects to develop.
For treating coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues, the syrup may provide quick relief. But when taken to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, or improve sleep, it may take 2-4 weeks to experience the desired results.
Be patient when taking wild cherry bark syrup and allow enough time for its compounds to build up in your system. The full benefits are usually achieved after 1-2 months of consistent daily use.
What are the side effects of wild cherry bark syrup?
When used appropriately, wild cherry bark syrup does not usually cause significant side effects. However, some people may experience:
- Mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Increased urination
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Skin rash or itching
Rarely, high doses may cause more serious side effects like respiratory distress, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Allergic reactions are also possible in people sensitive to compounds in the wild cherry plant.
If any worrisome reactions occur when taking wild cherry bark syrup, stop use immediately and seek medical attention.
Does it interact with medications?
Wild cherry bark syrup may potentially interact with several types of medications, including:
- Sedatives – Wild cherry bark has mild sedative properties and may enhance the effects of sedative or sleep medications like benzodiazepines.
- Cough medicine – The cough-suppressing effects may be compounded when taking wild cherry syrup along with conventional cough syrups or antihistamines.
- Blood thinners – Compounds in wild cherry may enhance the blood thinning effects of drugs like warfarin or heparin.
- Digoxin – Wild cherry may increase absorption of the heart medication digoxin, causing high levels in the blood.
- Immunosuppressants – Effects on the immune system could potentially reduce the efficacy of immunosuppressant drugs often used after organ transplants.
- Liver medications – Wild cherry is metabolized in the liver and may interact with other drugs broken down through the hepatic pathway.
Check with your doctor before taking wild cherry bark if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Your doctor can help monitor for any potential interactions or adjustments in dosages.
Is wild cherry bark syrup effective for coughs and colds?
There is some scientific evidence that wild cherry bark syrup may help relieve coughs associated with colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections:
- A 2010 study found that a formula containing wild cherry bark effectively reduced coughing fits in people with acute bronchitis.
- Another study in 2008 showed that wild cherry bark exhibits antitussive (cough-suppressing) activities when tested on guinea pig models.
- The compounds in wild cherry bark appear to have mucolytic effects, helping thin mucus secretions in the airways.
- Wild cherry also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could help ease sore throats and respiratory irritation.
The syrup may not fully cure a respiratory infection, but it may help control coughing and soothe inflamed airways when paired with other therapies. However, more large-scale human studies are still needed.
What about digestive uses for wild cherry bark syrup?
Wild cherry bark syrup has been used traditionally as a digestive aid, but there is limited clinical evidence to support these uses. However, a few studies suggest it may be helpful for:
- Treating constipation – A 2010 animal study showed wild cherry bark had significant laxative effects and increased intestinal motility.
- Relieving diarrhea – Compounds in wild cherry bark may help soothe intestinal inflammation that contributes to diarrhea.
- Easing IBS symptoms – The antispasmodic actions may help relax smooth muscle contractions in people with IBS.
Overall the evidence is weak, and more research is needed. But trying wild cherry bark syrup may be beneficial for mild, occasional digestive complaints under medical supervision.
Can it help with pain relief or inflammation?
A few preliminary studies show wild cherry bark may have useful anti-inflammatory properties:
- A 2012 study found it inhibited inflammatory compounds linked to conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and bowel diseases.
- Another study showed wild cherry extract reduced paw swelling in rat models, suggesting it may relieve joint pain.
- The antioxidants in wild cherry bark may help counter inflammation.
While promising, human clinical trials are still lacking. Wild cherry bark syrup may provide modest relief for headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. But more research on optimal dosing and long-term efficacy is needed.
Is there evidence for wild cherry bark syrup boosting immunity?
Some early cell studies show compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids in wild cherry bark may stimulate immune cells. Specifically, research indicates wild cherry may:
- Increase natural killer cell activity against viruses and bacteria.
- Boost phagocytosis, allowing immune cells to engulf pathogens.
- Raise levels of immune-activating cytokines in the body.
So far these immune-enhancing effects have not been demonstrated in humans. Wild cherry syrup may offer a modest immune boost due to its high antioxidant content. But claims about preventing or shortening illness require more clinical evidence.
Can it improve sleep quality?
Some herbal medicine practitioners recommend wild cherry bark syrup to promote sleep. There is limited evidence related to its sedative effects:
- It contains plant sterols like phytosterols that may have mild sedative properties to improve sleep.
- Compounds in wild cherry bark may increase levels of the sleep hormone melatonin.
- The anti-inflammatory effects may indirectly improve sleep by relieving pain.
- However, no human trials have tested the sleep-enhancing effects specifically.
While it likely won’t have major sedative effects, wild cherry syrup may help relax your body and make it easier to fall asleep. But using it as a sleep aid requires more research to confirm benefits and optimal dosing.
Are there any risks or warnings?
Wild cherry bark syrup does carry some general precautions, including:
- It’s not suitable for children under 12 due to the cyanide risk.
- Only purchase wild cherry syrup products from reputable companies to ensure potency and purity.
- Avoid use in pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical approval due to lack of safety data.
- Don’t take wild cherry bark syrup for more than 1-2 weeks in a row without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Cease using it and seek emergency care if you experience worrisome side effects like difficulty breathing.
It’s also critical to inform your doctor about any wild cherry bark syrup use, especially if you take medications, due to potential interactions. Using the right dosage and taking precautions can help minimize any risks when using this herbal remedy.
Conclusion
Old Indian wild cherry bark syrup has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a wide range of potential health benefits. Modern research provides some preliminary support for wild cherry bark’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties.
There is moderate evidence that the syrup may temporarily relieve coughs and digestive complaints. But for uses like pain relief, improved sleep, and immunity, larger clinical studies in humans are still needed to confirm both effectiveness and optimal dosing.
When used cautiously under medical supervision, wild cherry bark syrup is likely safe for most adults. However, children should avoid its use. And anyone taking medications should be aware of potential interactions.
While not a cure-all, old Indian wild cherry bark syrup may be a useful natural remedy to temporarily soothe certain symptoms when used appropriately. But always discuss with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.
