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Chokecherry

Antioxidant

Prunus virginiana

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Description

Widespread North American shrub used extensively by Plains, Plateau, and Woodland indigenous peoples as food medicine, antimicrobial, and tonic.

Active Compounds

amygdalinprunasinchlorogenic acidquercetinrutin

Traditional Uses

Food medicine across hundreds of Native American nations
Pemmican and pemican ingredient across Plains cultures
Cough and cold in many traditions
Diarrhea treatment

Modern Uses

Antioxidant
Antidiarrheal
Antimicrobial
Anti-inflammatory

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: other, tea, tincture
Adult Dose: Ripe berries as food; dried berry tea; inner bark tea for cough
Child Dose: Safe as ripe berries; avoid seeds and pits (cyanogenic)
Preparation Notes: Cook ripe berries; dry for winter use; steep inner bark for cough tea.

Safety Information

Generally safe during pregnancy

Generally safe while nursing

Contraindications

Seeds and pits toxic (prussic acid)
Wilted leaves toxic

Possible Side Effects

Cyanide toxicity from seeds or wilted leaves

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