Wild cherry bark is a North American plant that is used in natural medicine as a treatment for conditions of the pulmonary system, relief of pain and to stop diarrhea. The extract of the wild cherry tree, according to the University of California San Diego, is often included in preparations for treating coughs. The extract is also available in capsules, liquid and lozenge forms at your local health food store. Check with your physician before using any natural approach.
Wild Cherry Bark
Wild cherry bark extract, according to NYU Langone Medical Center, appears to have properties in the body that are similar to codeine, a popular cough suppressant and pain reliever. Wild cherry bark, like codeine, relaxes the muscles of the esophagus, throat and lungs, suppressing the cough reflex. Additionally, Mercer University explains that wild cherry bark is an expectorant, helping free mucous that can cause coughing and lung congestion. It adds that wild cherry bark appears to be most effective in treating coughs caused by irritation of the bronchial tract.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in which your bronchial system becomes inflamed due to an allergic response, exercise, stress, chemicals or sudden changes in temperature. Pubmed Health explains that when asthma occurs, the lungs constrict and their linings swell, causing difficulty breathing. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Treatment for this condition generally includes avoiding potential triggers as much as possible and using medications to decrease inflammation. Individuals who have asthma typically also have other conditions related to sensitivity in allergic response. These include eczema, hay fever and a familial history of allergies.
Wild Cherry Bark and Asthma
Wild cherry bark extract may be helpful in relieving reflexive coughing that is caused by illness or asthma, although scientific evidence to support any effectiveness for asthma is not available. The University of California San Diego explains that wild cherry bark reduces spasming of the bronchial muscles; however, given the swelling that also occurs with asthma, this may not relieve difficulty breathing.
Considerations
Wild cherry bark may help treat coughing that can be attributed to asthma, however it should not be used as a treatment for this condition without the supervision of a physician. Large quantities of this extract naturally contain cyanide, a substance that can cause poisoning and, potentially, death. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, are taking medication or have a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma, check with your doctor before using wild cherry bark. An asthma attack is a potentially life-threatening condition, and if you are experiencing symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.
