American / Eclectic herbal tradition
Wild Cherry Bark Cough Syrup Tea
A classic American antitussive drawn into a sipping tea: wild cherry bark's historical dry-cough reputation is wrapped in the demulcent softness of marshmallow and licorice, lifted by aromatic thyme.
Historical Background
Wild cherry bark was the backbone of the famous 'wild cherry cough syrup' codified in 19th-century American pharmacy. This infusion reimagines it as a gentle sipping tea for dry, tickly coughs.
Traditional purpose: Soothing a dry, irritable, tickly cough.
Preparation
- 1
Combine wild cherry bark, marshmallow, and licorice in a teapot.
- 2
Pour hot (not hard-boiling) water over the herbs; cover and steep 10-15 minutes.
- 3
Add thyme for the last 5 minutes to preserve its aromatics.
- 4
Strain, sweeten lightly with honey, and sip warm in small amounts.
- 5
No more than 2-3 cups per day for short-term use.
Serving: Sip warm by the spoonful or in small cups; honey both flavors and traditionally soothes the throat. Do not exceed short-term use.
Substitutions
- Omit licorice if on certain medications or with high blood pressure; use extra marshmallow instead.
- For a gentler cup, reduce wild cherry bark to 1/2 teaspoon.
Storage
Store dried bark in an airtight jar up to 1 year. Brewed tea is best consumed fresh; refrigerate up to 24 hours if needed.
Safety Notices
Educational use only — not medical advice. Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and infants. Wild cherry bark contains cyanogenic glycosides — use properly prepared, modest doses, short-term only, and stop if dizziness, drowsiness, or breathing difficulty occurs. Avoid licorice with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or potassium-wasting drugs.
Herbs in this recipe
References & Sources
- American Botanical Council · Expanded Commission E Monographs (2000)