Wild Cherry Bark

What is wild cherry bark? The wild cherry tree (Prunus serotina) is native to both the eastern part of North America and Europe. They can get as tall as 100 feet and have trunks that are 4 feet across. The trees make fruit that you can eat. The fruit is usually the size of peas and has a dark red-purple color. The bark of wild cherry trees can be reddish brown, dark gray, or even black, and it comes off in flakes. The bark and small branches can both be used to make herbal remedies (if you cut the twigs off fresh). The energy of wild cherry bark can either be cool or warm, and it can also dry. Cherry trees are in the same family as roses, so the bark is thought to be good for the heart and emotions as well as the body. In general, wild cherry is used for tissues that are "excited," which can show up as redness, inflammation, or tenderness. Native American tribes have used cherry bark for a long time to treat coughs, colds, fevers, labor pain, dysentery, digestive problems, and wounds on the skin. Most herbalists use it today to help with coughs and breathing, but it can also be used for other things. How do I use wild cherry bark? Additionally, it can be applied topically to…