Help! In one of my country type magazines I came across an article on a cold/flu remedy using cherry bark as one of the ingredients. It was made by a Native American for someone who became ill while visiting. I've looked through every magazine that I have at home. The fear is that my husband may have thrown it out. Does anyone recall reading this article within the last three years or so? County Journal, Mother Earth News or Organic Gardening I can't even remember which of the three it appeared in.

-- Pam Pitts (msjanedoe@hotmail.com), October 27, 1999

Answers

Disclaimer: the following are historical uses. I am not recommending, I'm not responsible for what you put in your mouth.

Inner bark (cambrium layer) of wild or domestic cherry. Collect in fall. Make a tincture or a tea. Sumac (not the poison kind) leaves, berries and bark reduce fever, full of vitamin C, used as tea. Yellow root (golden seal) as antibiotic - root scrapings in tea, should not be overused- help prevent resistant bacteria and viruses. Willow inner bark or leaves to relieve aches and pains.

-- Kendy Sawyer (sweetfire@grove.net), October 28, 1999.

I am planning to plant the tree used to make this medicine. What I use now is horehound cough syrup. Boil one pint of water,remove from heat. Steep one ounce of dried horehound for ten minutes,covered. Strain and add resulting liquid to three cups of honey. Cool and keep refrigerated. Take one teaspoon for children, two for adults. Up to four times a day, as needed. This does not work for eveyone, but it works for me. I take it at the first sign of cold or flu and in a day or two, have no more symptoms. Let me know of your cherry bark experiences. Thanks!

-- Patti Morris (pmorris@ecenet.com), January 15, 2000.