Today I made some wild cherry bark cough syrup. I added some dried bark (the cambium layer / inner bark) to a pan and simmered gently with water. The water turns a wonderful red colour as the bark decocts. Once the liquid is reduced by half, strain and add honey and glycerine and then bottle. It has antitussive and sedative actions, great for a nervous cough or for irritating and disturbing coughs which keep you awake at night.