Wild Cherry Bark

Botanical Name: Prunus serotina

🌍 Where It’s Grown

Wild Cherry trees are native to North America, especially the eastern and central United States.
This bark is typically wildcrafted from mature trees growing in woodlands, forest edges, and mixed hardwood forests. Harvested in thin strips to protect the tree’s health and ensure sustainable regrowth.

🌿 Benefits

• Traditionally used to soothe coughs, throat irritation, and respiratory discomfort.
• Helps calm dry, spasmodic coughs by relaxing the respiratory tract.
• Supports lung ease, especially during seasonal changes.
• Mildly calming to the nervous system, grounding scattered energy.
• Energetically supports emotional release and steady breath during stress.

🔥 Hot Brew or ❄️ Cold Brew?

Best as a hot decoction (NOT a typical tea).
Since it’s a bark, it needs heat to extract the beneficial compounds.

Hot Decoction (recommended):
• 1–2 tsp bark per cup of water
• Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes
• Let stand 5 minutes
• Strain and sweeten if desired

Cold Brew:
• Not recommended — extraction is very weak.

🍯 Flavor Pairings / What to Add

• Cinnamon — adds warmth and supports respiratory comfort
• Ginger — boosts soothing chest effects
• Licorice root — adds natural sweetness and complements lung support
• Lemon peel — brightens flavor
• Honey — perfect pairing to enhance throat-soothing qualities

🌬 Can It Be Smoked in an Herbal Cigarette?

No.
Wild Cherry Bark should not be smoked — compounds are intended for internal herbal preparation, not inhalation.

✨ Spiritual / Metaphysical Uses

• Used to support clear communication and throat chakra alignment.
• Helps release emotional tension stored in the chest.
• Brings grounding, comforting energy during grief or transition.
• Associated with calming the storm — spiritually soothing turbulent thoughts.

⚠ Contraindications

• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Do not combine with strong cough suppressants or sedatives.
• Not for long-term or high-dose use due to naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds.
• Always use in small, appropriate decoction amounts.
• Consult a practitioner if you have chronic lung conditions.

📦 How to Store

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and sunlight.
• Best used within 1–2 years.
• For bark pieces, ensure they remain fully dry to prevent mold.