Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Hydrocyanic acid, Amygdalin, flavonoid glycosides
- Also Known As
- English: Wild Himalayan Cherry, Mild Himalayan Cherry
Sanskrit: पद्मक, पद्माह्व, पद्मपुष्प
Hindi: पद्माख, पदमख
Overview
Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus spp.) is an effective expectorant and anticough agent from the rose family (Rosaceae). It has a bitter and astringent rasa, cooling virya, and sweet vipaka. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha (PK-) but may aggravate Vata in excess (V+). It works on plasma, blood, muscle, marrow, and nerve tissues, acting on the respiratory, nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems.
Wild Cherry Bark's key actions include expectorant, antispasmodic, alterative, and astringent effects. Various forms of wild cherry, apricot seeds, and bitter almonds are effective anticough agents, largely owing to the presence of hydrocyanic acid, which in large amounts is toxic. They cleanse and decongest the lungs effectively.
It is indicated for cough, whooping cough, bronchial spasms, palpitations, skin problems, and eye inflammation. There are few precautions beyond high Vata conditions. It can be prepared as a decoction, powder (250 to 500 mg), or cough syrup.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Varnya (improves complexion)
- Dahaprashamana (relieves burning sensation)
- Vishaghna (antitoxic)
- Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
How to Use Wild Himalayan Cherry by Condition
Explore how Wild Himalayan Cherry is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
A paste of Triphala, Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides, wild Himalayan cherry), Ushira (vetiver), Samanga (Manjishtha, Rubia cordifolia), Karavira (Nerium oleander), Nala Mula (root of Arundo donax/giant reed), and Ananta (Sariva/Hemidesmus indicus) -- this paste destroys Kapha-type Visarpa.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.