Herbs of the Field - Wild Cherry Bark

Wild Cherry Bark, also known as Chokeberry, Rum Cherry, or Mountain Black Cherry is native to North America. In general, it is antiviral, antibacterial, and has anticancer properties. Wild Cherry Bark is rich with minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium as well as phytochemicals like quercetin and kaempferol.  Wild Cherry Bark’s properties also include vasorelaxant, expectorant, and decongestant. These characteristics remove mucus from the lungs and increase the function of the lymphatic system. Thus making it a common ingredient in cough syrups.

Wild Cherry Bark is a powerful antitussive or cough suppressant. Best used if dry, hacking coughs or spasms are present. The properties of astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, and bronchodilator actions, causes the mucus to dry, increasing effective expectoration, easing the coughing, and opening airways. In addition, due to its “bitter herb” nature, Wild Cherry Bark can stimulate digestive juice in the stomach, improving acid formation, and improving bile and enzyme functions to breakdown food and absorption of nutrients. Another effect of Wild  Cherry bark is the effects on the cardiovascular system, by helping to balance circulation,  reducing hypertension, and reducing irritation and congestion. Native Americans were known for their usage of Wild cherry Bark for diarrhea or stomach worms, as well as skin wounds, ulcers and burns.

Identification: Leaves are simple, alternate, of 2 to 6 inches long, usually lance-shapes, with pointed tips. The edges are fine tooth. The upper surface of leaf is dark green and shiny, where the bottom is paler. The bark is one of the tell-tale signs of the Wild cherry bark, the pattern. The bark color is light grey and a cork-like appearance, growing in a horizontal layering pattern. And the smell of almonds! when crushed!

Harvesting: Harvest is normally during the dormant season, or when pruning becomes necessary. Prune branches and peel outer bark. The inner bark is the portion used for the remedies. Do not allow branches to sit and ferment, otherwise they can become toxic. Inner bark has a smell of almonds, with a slight greenish to cream color. Peel. Lay strips to dry in a warm airy place. Then grind coarsely.   

Usage: Extract to use as a tincture or syrup. Also as a tea or infusion.

Cautions: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.