Wild cherry bark, sometimes called black cherry bark or American cherry bark, is the inner bark of the cherry (Prunus serotina) tree, a relative of the rose. Its bark ranges from dark gray to black in color. It is smooth and shiny on young trees but becomes rough and peels from the trunk of mature cherry trees in flakes. The extracted inner bark has a distinctive almond scent.
Native American tribes swore by the bark's healing properties, which are today celebrated throughout the world. Studies show wild cherry bark calms coughs, dries mucus, and opens the airways, so it's a common ingredient in cold remedies, including cough syrups and throat lozenges. It is also often used in teas.
Wild cherry bark is often added to cold water and left to steep before drinking. Simply add an ounce of the wild cherry bark to two cups of cold water and let the bark infuse for a few hours. Experts recommend drinking one to four fluid ounces of the cold infusion four or five times a day to enjoy its healing benefits.
