Cherry Laurel Water: Uses, Risks, and Safety

Cherry laurel water (also called laurel water or prussic water) is a liquid made from parts of the cherry laurel plant, Prunus laurocerasus. People made it by distilling leaves, flowers, or kernels. The liquid contains hydrogen cyanide and related compounds, so it is toxic if swallowed or absorbed in large amounts.

Historically laurel water was used for flavoring, as a cough remedy, and as a topical antiseptic. Those practices have largely stopped because we now know how dangerous cyanide can be. Modern medicine does not recommend taking laurel water internally. If you see it listed as a “natural” remedy, treat it with caution: natural does not mean safe.

What it does and why it's risky

Hydrogen cyanide interferes with your cells' ability to use oxygen. Mild exposure can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and trouble breathing. Larger exposures can cause seizures, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death. Skin contact with concentrated laurel water can cause irritation or carry enough toxin to matter, especially through broken skin.

Because the strength of homemade or old bottles varies a lot, you can’t guess a safe dose. Even small amounts can be dangerous for children, pets, elderly people, and anyone with heart or lung problems. If a product does not have clear testing and labeling, assume it is unsafe to drink or put on the skin.

Safety tips and first aid

Don’t make laurel water at home. Avoid ingesting it. Keep any laurel plant parts, seeds, or distillates away from kids and pets. If someone swallows laurel water or shows signs of cyanide poisoning, call emergency services immediately. Move the person to fresh air, and if they are vomiting or drooling, put them on their side to protect the airway. Do not try to induce vomiting unless told to do so by a poison center.

In the hospital, doctors treat cyanide exposure with oxygen and specific antidotes such as hydroxocobalamin or sodium thiosulfate. Timing matters: faster medical care improves outcomes. If you handle plants that can release cyanide, wash your hands and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with plant juices.

For coughs, skin scrapes, or minor infections, choose safer options: honey for cough in people over one year old, saline rinses, or over-the-counter antiseptics like povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine. Talk with a pharmacist or your doctor before trying any plant-based product. If you need more detail about a specific product labeled as “laurel water,” bring the packaging to your healthcare provider or local poison control center for advice.

Many countries restrict laurel water for internal use, and reputable retailers do not sell it as a medicine. You might still find laurel water in antique shops or online; avoid using those for health purposes. If you grow cherry laurel in your garden, remove seed pits from compost and pick up fallen leaves to stop pets from chewing them. When in doubt, phone local poison control for reliable guidance — they will tell you what to do.