What to know about Prunus avium (cherry) before using it medicinally

Prunus avium, commonly known as cherry, is a herb that has been touted for its numerous health benefits, including its antioxidant properties which have been shown to improve heart health and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

As a popular ornamental and edible plant, Prunus avium is also known for its versatility in horticulture, being used as a specimen tree, a shade tree, and even as a hedge. Botanically speaking, Prunus avium is a deciduous tree that belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae), characterized by its showy white or pink flowers and edible fruit.

Historically, the cherry has been cultivated and used for its fruit, wood, and medicinal properties, with references to its use found in ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Prunus avium.

What are the medicinal properties of Prunus avium?

Prunus avium helps with various health issues, including reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and exhibiting antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Its extracts have been used to treat coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues. Cherry has also been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress relief.

The active constituents of Prunus avium that contribute to its medicinal properties include anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which are responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects.

The parts of the plant most commonly used for medicinal purposes are the fruit, leaves, and bark. The fruit is rich in anthocyanins and has been used to treat digestive issues and alleviate pain. The leaves have been used to treat coughs and sore throats, while the bark has been used to treat fever and rheumatism.

Improper use of Prunus avium can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The plant's extracts can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and exacerbate conditions such as gout and kidney stones.

Precautions when using Prunus avium medicinally include consulting with a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with kidney or liver problems, or those taking medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using the plant, as its safety has not been established for these populations.

What are the horticulural aspects of Prunus avium?

Prunus avium grow best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It requires a cool winter period to induce dormancy and produce flowers. Watering should be regular, but not excessive.

For optimal growth, plant cherry trees in a location with adequate air circulation, spacing them about 15-20 feet apart. The hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, and backfill with a mix of soil and organic matter. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture.

Harvest cherries in mid-to-late summer when they are firm, but still tender to the touch. The pit can be removed by hand or with a pitting tool, and the fruit can be used fresh, frozen, or cooked in a variety of dishes.

Cherry trees are susceptible to pests like the cherry fruit fly, which can transmit bacterial canker, and diseases such as powdery mildew, brown rot, and black knot, caused by fungi like Monilinia fructicola and Botryosphaeria dothidea. Regular monitoring and pruning can help control these issues.

What are the botanical aspects of Prunus avium?

Prunus avium is a deciduous tree characterized by its heart-shaped leaves, 2-5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide, with 7-9 lobes and serrated edges. The tree can grow up to 10-15 meters in height. The bark is gray to reddish-brown.

Prunus avium belongs to the Rosaceae family, which includes apples and pears. The plant is classified in the genus Prunus, which consists of approximately 400 species, including plums and apricots. Prunus avium is a subgenus Cerasus, containing about 50 species.

Several Prunus avium variants include the sweet cherry (P. avium var. avium), sour cherry (P. avium var. avium var. avium), and the bird cherry (P. avium var. avium var. avium var. avium var. avium var. avium). Other varieties include 'Bing', 'Rainier', and 'Stella'. The tree is often grafted to enhance fruit quality.

Prunus avium is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. It thrives in temperate climates with cool winters and warm summers, typically growing at elevations of 0-1,500 meters above sea level.

The life cycle of Prunus avium begins with germination in spring, followed by growth to maturity, typically after 3-5 years. The tree blooms in late April or May, with showy white flowers giving way to fruit ripening in June or July. The tree can live for 20-30 years.

What are the historical aspects of Prunus avium?

Prunus avium is one of the oldest cultivated fruits, with evidence of cultivation dating back to ancient China around 2000 BCE. The fruit was highly valued for its flavor, medicinal properties, and potential uses as a dye.

In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, cherry blossoms were associated with the goddess of spring and fertility, and the fruit was seen as a symbol of love and passion. The Greek poet Theocritus wrote about cherry blossoms in his Idylls.

In various cultures, cherry has been a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and fertility. In Japan, cherry blossoms are still celebrated as a symbol of the arrival of spring and new life. In Christian tradition, cherry is associated with the Virgin Mary.

In historical texts, cherry is mentioned in the writings of the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who described its medicinal properties. The Chinese medical text Shennong Bencao Jing, written in 200 CE, lists cherry as a treatment for various ailments.

Archaeological evidence has revealed that cherry was a highly valued commodity in ancient trade networks, with examples of cherry stones and pits found in ancient settlements and trade routes. Cherry pits were also used as a form of currency in some societies.