What Is Black Cherry Juice Good For?

Black cherry juice, like tart cherry juice and red cherry juice, is used as a homeopathic remedy for gout, arthritis pain and headaches. The red pigment in black cherries contains a chemical that reduces inflammation.

Inflammation Relief

• Black cherry juice contains anthocyanins, the same chemical used in aspirin and prescription drugs for its ability to reduce joint inflammation. Black cherry juice is used to relieve arthritis, with results often noted within a couple weeks of consistent use. It also relieves headache pain. The pain-relieving and inflammation-reducing properties of black cherry juice have been documented by researchers at the National Institute of Health.

Treatment of Gout

• Black cherry juice lowers uric acid levels in the blood, one of the causes of pain in cases of gout. In people suffering from gout, uric acid is overproduced by the body and is not removed and eliminated by the kidneys.

Other Health Benefits

• Homeopathic health practitioners also suggest that the anthocyanins in black cherry juice reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon cancer. Black cherry juice may also help prevent dental decay.

Types

• Black cherry juice is taken as a beverage, found at health food stores or natural food markets. Black cherry juice is different from black cherry drink, which may contain other fruit juices, artificial flavor and sugar. Read the label to ascertain that the black cherry juice selected is pure cherry juice. Black cherry also can be purchased as tablets.

Expert Insight

• Tart cherry juice, red cherry juice, fresh cherries and dried cherries also contain anthocyanins. The amount of anthocyanin in other types of cherries is comparable to the amount in black cherries.