Prunus cerasus – dried cherry stalk

Cherry stems were once collected after the fruit was harvested and then carefully air-dried. They are commonly used in so-called "elimination" herbal teas, often combined with other draining plants. Their thin rod shape and light brown to reddish hue are characteristic.

Description

Thin, brown to reddish, dry, and rigid peduncles. Light, woody, and fruity odor. Fibrous texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Cherry stem, cherry stalk
• Latin name: Prunus cerasus
• Family: Rosaceae
• Part used: Peduncle (tail of the fruit)
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, Balkans, Turkey
• English name: Sour cherry stalk
• Name in German: Kirschstiele
• Name in Spanish: Pedúnculo de cereza
• Name in Italian: Peduncolo di ciliegia
• Name in Arabic: ساق الكرز (Sāq al-Karaz)

Main virtues

Cherry stems are traditionally incorporated into herbal tea blends to promote urinary comfort or as a light drink to accompany treatments. They can also be used in certain traditional cosmetic recipes.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, potassium salts, tannins, mucilages, traces of coumarins.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 tablespoon for 500 ml of cold water. Bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes, then filter.
• Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons for 250 ml of simmering water, infuse for 10 min (less concentrated).
• Cosmetic: decoction in soft compress or vegetable lotion.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Do not use for a prolonged period without professional advice.
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
• Store away from heat, humidity and light.

History and origin

Cherry stems are among the oldest folk remedies used in Europe. They are still widely used in homemade herbal tea blends. They have been found in herbalist collections since the 18th century, particularly in treatises on country herbs.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: opaque kraft bag or airtight jar.
• Packaging: loose, roughly cut.
• Appearance: red-brown, dry, thin peduncles.
• Smell: woody, very light.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Family Herbalism Manuals
• Corpus of traditional European medicine
• Collections of ancient domestic pharmacopoeia

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