Native to eastern North America, Prunus serotina, or wild cherry, produces small, dark cherries often used in food, jams, and liqueurs. Its reddish-brown bark has a long history of traditional use, first by Indigenous communities and later in folk herbalism. Wild cherry bark is commonly found in herbal syrups, teas, and liquid extracts.
Throughout history, cherries have carried symbolic meaning. In Buddhist tradition, the virgin mother of Buddha, Maya, was supported by a sacred cherry tree during pregnancy. In Danish folklore, eating the first ripe cherry after childbirth was believed to ensure a good harvest. Wild cherry, a member of the rose family, is also known as wild black cherry and is most often used in syrup formulas, though it can also be prepared as tea or extract.
Precautions
No known precautions. Consult a healthcare practitioner before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
