MEDICINAL USES:
The bark is astringent, sedative, stimulant and a chest tonic. It is a well known a cough remedy. All the bark is medicinal, though apparently the inner bark of the roots is the most effective. The sedative properties of the bark make it especially effective if coughing and congestion comes with fever, rapid pulse and breath. Wild Cherry bark is also a tonic to the digestive system. Dosage for the tea is one tablespoon of dried and powdered or crushed bark per cup, and 1 to 3 cups up to 4 times daily. Of the tincture, you may use from 30 to 90 drops (up to 3 tsp) daily.
OTHER USES: The fruit of Wild Cherry was an important Native food product, although it was usually dried and mixed with pemmican or other foods.
CAUTION: Cherry pits contain deadly cyanide. Although the flesh is not harmful, deaths have occurred in children who ate large quantities of the berries, presumably breaking open and chewing some pits in the process.