Believe it or not, cherry trees are members of the rose family!  The Prunus Serotina and Virginiana, or Wild American Cherry Trees, are the giants of the family.  They can grow up to 100 feet tall with a central trunk reaching up to 4 feet in diameter.  Young tree bark is smooth and shiny, can range in color from dark green to a dark purple, and smells like bitter sweet almonds.   As the trees mature, the bark turns gray to black in color and is easily peeled away from the trunk and older branches.  In the spring, these trees produce white flowers which are pollinated and later become the trees namesake fruits.  Some of the flowers can be harvested and used in tea, and the cherries are harvested as a summer stone fruit.  The trees then lose their leaves in fall and “hibernate” through winter.  This is the best time to harvest the inner bark.  The bark is then quickly dried using low heat to discourage the loss of its active volatile oils, and also to discourage fermentation which makes the bark toxic. Note: Leaves are always considered toxic and bark which has fallen to the forest floor is also toxic due to fermentation.

The fruit is known for its tart, delicious taste which can be enjoyed as-is, pressed into juices, or made into delicious treats like jams, pies, and ice cream.  Tart cherries are most known for promoting the breakdown and elimination of uric acid buildup throughout the body.  They can be consumed as a scrumptious snack which can also assist with any bone and joint inflammation associated with acidic build up. They are also generally supportive to the health and function of the urinary tract.  Wild Cherry Bark can be encapsulated, but like many herbs which are best for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the body utilizes the active constituents better when it is extracted in some way.  It can be tinctured, but it is most frequently used in decoctions, syrups, and oxymels. It is best to avoid boiling or simmering the bark as its active constituents are its volatile oils.  It is best to steep it in a hot solution fully covered to retain the oils.  Also, not unlike elderberries, the bark is known to contain the same compounds which can be metabolized into hydrocyanic acid, and so it is recommended to only be consumed as needed rather than as a daily herb.  This is also the constituent which is credited for discouraging irregular cell growth.

Wild Cherry Bark Nutrients & Active Constituents

• Wild Cherry Bark is known to contain: Flavonoids, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron
• Active Constituents: Cyanogenic Glycosides (Prunasin and Amygdalin/Metabolize into Hydrocyanic Acid), Benzaldehyde, Coumarins, Resin, Scopoletin, Volatile Oils, Plant Acids, and Tannins

Wild Cherry Bark can help to:

• Calm inflammation throughout the respiratory tract, and soothe a spastic, hard cough
• Promote the elimination of old mucus, and support the production of new healthy mucus membranes
• Support a strong timely heart beat, healthy blood flow throughout the body, and promote a healthy response to heat in the body
• Stimulate digestive secretions, appetite, and bowel movement, and calms inflammation in the digestive system
• Discourage irregular cell growth in the lungs, breast tissue, digestive system, urinary tract, and reproductive organs
• May assist with bone and joint inflammation, especially if associated with seasonal immune compromise