Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) has a long history of use among various Native American tribes and early settlers in North America for a range of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of external bleeding. The bark, leaves, and fruit pits were sometimes used to make poultices or washes applied directly to wounds to help stop bleeding and promote healing. This use stems primarily from traditional herbal medicine practices rather than modern clinical studies. Ethnobotanical records describe the application of chokecherry bark or leaf preparations to cuts, abrasions, or other external injuries, attributing astringent properties to the plant that can constrict tissue and blood vessels, thereby reducing bleeding. However, there is little to no scientific validation by way of contemporary clinical trials or laboratory studies to confirm chokecherry’s effectiveness for external bleeding. The astringency is likely due to the presence of tannins, which are known to have mild hemostatic effects, but this has not been rigorously tested in controlled settings. Therefore, the use of chokecherry for external bleeding remains rooted in traditional knowledge and historical practice rather than scientific evidence. It is important to exercise caution, as some parts of the plant (especially seeds and wilted leaves) contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that can be toxic if misused.

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