Cherry

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There was some great information on this herb!  I'll get the herbarium up today if I can.  I highly encourage you to read this one.

I don't feel like I got much done yesterday but I did play with the kids a bit and that was great.  I let them go outside and play under their favorite tree.  It was nice having good enough weather to get them out.  It's been raining so much I was afraid the ground would still be wet when my husband comes home! 

My spiritual development is still progressing.  I have not done any more videos because I still have not had time to download video editing software.  While I'd like to scoff at people for such a complain, that is a valid point.  Which means I can't complain about it or reject it. 

I do want to thank everyone, especially those who have been with me from the beginning for helping me through my growing pains as I grow here. Love and Light!

On to Cherry.

Constituents: Cyanogenetic glycosides (prunasin), benzaldehyde, eudesmic acid, p-coumaric acid, scopoletin, tannins, sugars (Hoffman, 2003).  Petersen (2018) adds prunasin turns to hydrogen cyanide when crushed. She also mentions anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucosyrlrutinoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin), phenolic acid, nitrates and nitrites which are antioxidant compounds and cyanide (p. 120-2). Bruton-Seal & Seal (2009) say anthocyanins (potent antioxidants) and Vitamins A, B, and C (p. 25). Pierre (2005) anthocyanins (create pigment, defend plant against germs and bugs), quercetin (fights cancer and heart disease, processed cherries have twice the quercetin), perillyl alcohol (prevents breast and pancreatic cancer), and boron (for bone health) (p. 8-9). ). Cohen (2007) says quercetin is great to prevent gout (p. 262).

Therapeutic Actions: Anti-tussive, expectorant, astringent, nervine, anti-spasmodic, bitter (Hoffman, 2003). Petersen says sedative, expectorant, astringent, and antitussive (p. 120, 122). Bruton-Seal & Seal (2009) say cleansing, anti-tussive and nourishing (p. 25). Ulbricht (2010) says anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (p. 216).

Indications: Powerful anti-cough – bronchitis, whooping cough, works with other herbs for asthma, aids digestion.  A cold infusion can be used as an eye wash for irritation (Hoffman. 2003).  Petersen says this is used for colds, whooping cough, bronchitis, lung problems, diarrhea, gout, digestive disorders, pain and cancer (p. 120). Historically, it was used in fermentation and made cherry alcohol. It was thought to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumorigenic properties. They also thought it slowed cardio-vascular disease and aging (p. 123).  Bruton-Seal & Seal (2009) say anemia, constipation, gout (you’d need to eat a LOT which causes diarrhea), and arthritis are treated with the fresh fruit. The bark treats coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis (p. 25). Pierre (2005) says pain, swelling, cancer, and heart disease.  Ulbricht (2010) says there is evidence that “cherry juice may prevent damage to muscles caused my exercise”, age-related nerve damage, bladder cancer, breathing problems, cancer, colds, colon cancer, degenerative diseases, fever, gout, gynecologic disorders, heart disease, malnutrition, prostate enlargement, and sore throat (p. 216).

Safety: Large doses may be toxic. Petersen (2018) adds long term use may be toxic and advises against use in pregnancy.  There is no information about lactation. It may inhibit they cytochrome P450 (CYP450) 3A4 enzyme (p. 123). The American Herbal Product Association lists this as 2d (p. 124). Ulbricht (2010) says there is potential for high allergic reactions to cherry but it’s safe to use if pregnant and breastfeeding if the mother is not allergic.  He also says if you are taking anti-inflammatory, anticancer or gastrointestinal drugs, this may stack with this. The same goes with herbs but adds antioxidants (p. 216).

Have a Great Day!