Eat the Trees:

The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark,

Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees

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Publisher: The Art of Anti-Aging, LLC
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should not replace the opinions of a medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by
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Table of Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................... 1
Mulberry......................................................................................................... 5
Moringa........................................................................................................... 6
Linden..............................................................................................................7
Hawthorn........................................................................................................ 9
Birch...............................................................................................................10
Hibiscus......................................................................................................... 11
Ginkgo Biloba................................................................................................ 12
A Wrap-Up on Leaves................................................................................... 13
Let’s Give a Shout-Out to BARK!................................................................... 13
Seque to the “Softer Side” of Tree Benefits................................................. 15
Sources.......................................................................................................... 18
 Eat the Trees:
The Incredible Health Benefits of Leaves, Bark,
Flowers, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees

Trees, where would we be without them? Truth is, we wouldn’t be. Almost one-third of the oxygen we
breathe is generated by trees, as they extract carbon dioxide and water from the air and turn it into that
precious life-sustaining substance called oxygen (O2).
Trees are also essential to healthy eco-systems. They provide habitats for animals, supply mulch, prevent
erosion, and purify air by pulling pollutant gasses, odors, and even tiny particulate matter from the
atmosphere.
Add in the aesthetic beauty they provide and the comforting, cooling shade they make possible when the
sun beats down its sweltering rays, and we might all consider becoming proud bearers of the title “tree
hugger.”
And there is another fascinating fact about trees that many are not aware of, or not aware enough of…

We Can Eat Them!

Not all of them and not all their parts.
However, a surprising number of trees hold
within them an equally surprising amount of
powerful nutrients and extracts with healing
powers and medicinal uses. Now, fruit-bearing
trees are, of course, already beloved for their
amazingly healthy and delicious edibles, such
as apples, oranges, peaches, and plums.
In this special report, however, we’re going
beyond the common fruits and introducing
you to a variety of trees that you may never
have considered “biting into” or adding to your
skin health regimen. Beyond the fruits and
fragrant flowers, we will familiarize you with
the genuine treasures that can be extracted
from tree leaves and yes, even from tree bark!
Now, survivalists and “foraging experts” have certainly contributed to our body of knowledge about what
trees can do to keep people alive in life-and-death circumstances when lost deep in the wilderness or
during times of famine.
Yet the larger story has been unfolding through many millennia and all across the planet, as our ancestors
fed their families and treated their ailments with plants. To this day, many cultures – including ours –
continue the practices, not just out of ancient beliefs and customs, but because they have very legitimate,
proven health benefits.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 1
 A Brief Primer in Phytochemicals
(aka, very powerful stuff!)
We all know the familiar expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Little did we know how
foretelling this expression would turn out to be. Currently, there is an explosion of research in scientific
circles surrounding the potential human health benefits – preventive, protective, and healing – of
phytochemicals, a term that refers to various biologically active compounds found in plants that have
the capacity to modulate one or more metabolic processes or pathways in the body (“medical-speak” for
“keep us and make us healthier”).1,2
The incorporation of phytochemicals in pharmaceuticals is far from new. In fact, as much as 50% of
the drugs used in modern medical practice contain some plant-based compounds. There is already a
considerable body of scientific evidence that plants produce substances which possess antibacterial,
antifungal, anticancer, antimalarial, antiprotozoal, and antioxidant properties, to name just a few.
What is new is the extent and the pace at which drug developers are looking to use these naturally
occurring substances in place of synthetic compounds.3
It also opens the door to a much more robust development of the field of nutraceuticals – broadly
speaking, this term refers to any product derived from plant or food sources that offers extra health
benefits beyond what is, strictly speaking, nutritional value.
Take a fruit like pomegranate, known to be
abundantly rich in antioxidants, which prevent or
slow damage to cells by free radicals, the unstable
molecules that are produced during oxidation.
Antioxidants are believed to play a role in preventing
cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and
diabetes, among many other conditions.
Dietary supplements in liquid, powder, capsule,
or pill form, as well as various additives in
“fortified foods,” also fall under this umbrella
called nutraceuticals. It should be noted that
nutraceuticals are not regulated by the FDA
in the same way as pharmaceuticals, so their
efficacy, purity, concentration, correct dosing,
contraindications, potential adverse effects, and
drug interactions are not fully understood nor
assured.
This is not to diminish the fact that under the rigors of scientific research, much promising evidence is
emerging about just how effective and safe phytochemicals can be in their capacity to fight many life-
threatening, chronic, diseases that have proven to be the most difficult to manage or cure.
As one prominent example, scientists are looking to the plant kingdom to accelerate the development
of anticancer agents. It has already been documented that not only do phytochemicals possess direct
anticancer activity, they can also play a role in relieving certain complications of cancer and in protecting
against the side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents.4

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 2
 Another devastating condition that is poised to benefit from phytochemicals is Alzheimer’s disease, the
most widespread age-related neurodegenerative disease. Research suggests that flavonoids, a naturally
occurring plant substance, may be beneficial to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s, delaying its
progression, and enhancing memory and general cognition.5
While there are scores of conditions for which phytochemicals show promise in terms of prevention
and/or treatment (beyond the scope of this piece), one more example vividly illustrates the remarkable
potential of these plant-based substances to alter the trajectory of modern medicine’s battle against
some of the most stubborn and destructive disease states – either on their own or in conjunction with
what are considered standard 21st century therapeutics.
While modern medicine has a vast arsenal of antimicrobials to fight pathogens, the emergence of
multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens poses a global threat and is already impeding the efforts to treat
certain resistant, highly dangerous strains. One strategy that is showing success is that of combining
antimicrobial agents with certain phytochemicals that neutralize the resistance mechanism, thus
“rescuing” the ability of the antimicrobials to do their job.
Additionally, a whole host of plant extracts and essential oils have been shown to act synergistically with
antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapeutics, thus enhancing their effectiveness. And let us not forget
that plant-based products, on their own, have been successfully used since ancient times to prevent and
treat pathogenic diseases! 6
In a time when sensitivity (and, hopefully, gratitude and respect) toward Mother Earth is heightening,
and when the concept of “sustainability” has become a familiar, if not quite household, word, it seems a
good time to pull back the curtain of modern medicine, nutritional science, and “conventional wisdom”
and get curious about lessons that live beyond the Rx’s being dispensed at the neighborhood pharmacy
or the $400 skin cream at the department store beauty counter.

ATTENTION PLEASE
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Before we wander too deep into the forest, so to speak, we must
be clear, no content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice
from your doctor or other qualified clinician. We are not claiming to do an exhaustive review
of plant-based nutritional or therapeutic benefits; we are not advocating any particular diet or
plant-based additions to it, nor any product (pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or supplemental)
– only opening eyes to some lesser known secrets of the forest in hopes of piquing interest
and of encouraging new thinking about the bounty of healthy and health-promoting goodness
that nature has provided us, if only we take the steps to explore, discover, learn, and ultimately
enjoy the benefits.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 3
 Green Leafy Goodness Just
Took On a Whole New Dimension!
Did you know that there are over a thousand species of plants with edible leaves, even though the typical
kitchen table today only sees a handful of them?
The reason is one part cultural. Certain dietary practices are just part of who we are. They determine what
we are likely to find on the grocery store shelves, and as a society, our lifestyles don’t lend themselves to
hours spent foraging in the woods for dinner.
Having said that, foodie trends suggest that we are becoming more than a little serious about eating
more fresh, natural, healthy, plant-based foods and less of the processed stuff that comes out of cans,
jars, boxes, and plastic containers at the supermarket.
The first hard truth, though, is that some plant material can be hard on the human digestive tract, even
as it has many highly beneficial nutrients and fiber. Some leaves have a particularly fibrous structure
composed of cellulose, which is broken down by an enzyme that humans do not possess. Cooking (and
a lot of chewing) can help make these varieties “easier to swallow.”
Some leaves MUST be cooked, as they can be toxic in their raw form. Other leaves are just outright
poisonous – cooked or uncooked. Others are spikey or sticky, rendering them naturally unappealing for
consumption.
The experts suggest that the younger, more tender leaves can be picked and eaten right off the tree or
tossed into a salad, with the caveat that not all are equally tasty. Others prefer to dry the leaves and
steep them into teas, often accompanied by the tree’s flowers, berries, or even bark.
It is worth noting early on that while some trees’ “component parts” may be safe to consume, even if not
all equally appealing to the palate, the same cannot be said for all species of trees. Do your homework in
advance or forage with an expert! One tree may have a perfectly sweet berry but a toxic sap in its trunk.
That same berry may be a delicious treat when ripe but will give you some pretty unpleasant side effects
if consumed before Mother Nature meant for it to be ready for snacking.
So, let’s explore the wonderful bounty of healthy, happy trails through the woods! if you approach
nature’s culinary treasure-trove with credible information on the do’s and don’ts, common sense, and
a little adventuresome spirit, adding tree elements to your diet can represent a natural way to spice
up everything from your tossed salad lunch to your nightcap of soothing tea, with some distinct health
benefits along the way. To get you started, we’ve assembled a “sampler” of what various tree species
have to offer.
One footnote before we proceed to getting smarter about tree edibles – it’s about more than what you
put in your mouth. Your skin also has an “appetite” for nutrients that come from trees to keep it supple,
glowing, hydrated, and to resist unwanted signs of aging such as wrinkles. More on this later.
We’ve selected a handful of tree species that are frequently noted among the edible-leaf variety –
Mulberry, Moringa, Linden, Hawthorn, Birch, Hibiscus, and Ginkgo biloba – to give you a snapshot of
what they offer through their leaves and other plant parts like flowers and berries, so let’s get started…

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 4
 MULBERRY

Mulberry has long been the subject of interest for a wide range of nutritional and medicinal purposes. The
tree produces black, white, and red mulberries that can be made into wine, fruit juice, jam, or dried fruit
snacks. The large, juicy, black variety are considered the tastiest, somewhere between sweet and tart, but
should be eaten ripe to avoid digestive upset and even nervous system effects including hallucinations.
They aren’t very commonly found in grocery stores because they don’t transport particularly well, but
picked right and ripe off the tree, they make a delicious treat.
The species, popularly featured in a classic children’s song (“Here we go round the mulberry bush…”),
also has its downsides. Its massively invasive root system can lift sidewalks and its pollen-producing
capacity made the city of Tucson, AZ ban planting of the tree, citing its harm to humans prone to hay
fever. Also, the milky sap of the white mulberry tree is toxic to humans, and its presence on leaves and
stems can make contact with them a source of skin irritation.7

Mulberry extracts have long been used for medicinal purposes and their active components are
believed to display protective effects against damage to human organs and systems, principally
as a function of their antioxidant properties.

Through its hypoglycemic action, Mulberry is recognized as beneficial in the prevention and treatment of
diabetes mellitus. By way of complex enzymatic and metabolic mechanisms, it is also believed to have
benefits for the treatment of obesity.
Further still, it has properties characterized as: neuroprotective, antiatherosclerosis, immunomodulative
(meaning it modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system, as by the stimulation
of antibody formation or the inhibition of white blood cell activity) antitumor, hypolipidemic, anti-
inflammatory, antimicrobial, and even anti-cancer.8-11

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 5
 MORINGA

Moringa oleifera is sometimes known as the miracle tree, Tree of Life, the “drumstick tree” for its shape,
and even “nature’s multivitamin,” for the remarkable nutritional punch it packs. It contains a high
concentration of iron, protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
This highly drought-resistant, fast growing tree is native to India but is now found worldwide and often
used to combat malnutrition. Its leaves can be eaten fresh, have a nutty spice taste, and can be added to
salads or soups. They are also frequently dehydrated into a powder form and used to give a nutritional
boost to smoothies, soups, even baked goods.

Historically, Moringa has been used for a variety of medical purposes, as an antifungal, antiviral,
antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory.

As more scientific inquiry has come to focus on health benefits of plants, Moringa is recognized for its
wide range of medicinal and nutritional uses. Recent studies suggest that it helps to reduce blood sugar
and cholesterol, is rich in antioxidants, and is useful in reducing arsenic toxicity and purifying water.12
Its value as a nutritional supplement stems from the essential amino acids it possesses, the carotenoids in
its leaves, various phenolics, minerals, and protein. Research on its value as a nutritional and supplement
is still very much ongoing.
In certain cultures, however, virtually all parts of the plant are believed to have medicinal properties,
acting as cardiac and circulatory stimulants.
And – ready for this? – it may possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory,
antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Wow! That’s why it is very much a part of the
indigenous practice of medicine, particularly in South Asia.13, 14

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 6
 LINDEN

Leaves of the Linden tree can be quite tasty, with young leaves the most palate-pleasing and often used
as additions to salads. Their nutritional value is not very well known but are believed to be a good source
of antioxidants.
However, it is the fragrant, 5-petaled, yellow-white flowers the Linden tree produces that are known
to be quite valuable for health purposes. The flowers can be infused into tea, or boiled and steeped
together with leaves and bark, simply for the pleasing taste they add.
Notably, going back centuries, flowers of the linden tree have been used to induce sweating, and to
reduce associated cold and flu symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, and cough.15
Throughout history, Linden tea has been believed to have a calming effect, making it useful for treating
anxiety and promoting sleep. Researchers concluded that the Linden extract mimics the activity of gaba-
aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that inhibits excitability in the human nervous system.16

Antioxidant benefits are quite well documented in terms of their anti-inflammatory effects and
relatedly, prevention of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and potentially a host of other diseases.17-19

Potential benefits ranging from mild pain reduction, to diuretic effects, to lowering blood pressure, to
soothing the digestive tract have been suggested, some as a result of studies in mice, but not yet clinically
proven in humans.20
As evidence of the strength of bonds between cultural beliefs and herbal medicinal practices, it was once believed
that simply by sitting beneath a Linden tree, one could be cured of epilepsy.

At the other extreme, we are reminded of the value of rigorous scientific evaluation, as at least one study is said
to have reported cardiotoxicity from the gentle flower and is therefore not recommended for ingestion by anyone
with heart disease.

The components of this tea may interact with certain medications, so if you are taking any do consult with a
health professional before taking any form of linden. Also, safety has not been established in pregnant or lactating
women or in children and it is recommended not to consume in excess of 2-4 grams per day for everyone else.21

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 7
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 HAWTHORN

Commonly found in the United States and Europe, Hawthorn trees bear leaves that are commonly tossed
into salads, especially the young tender leaves of spring. English folk foragers are known to have referred
to Hawthorn leaves as “pepper and salt.”
Hawthorn berries are high in pectin, which makes them good ingredients for thickening up jams. The
berries have been described as everything from sweet to tart to tangy and can make great jams, pie
fillings, even syrup. Or ferment them into a tasty wine or flavor-rich vinegar that can be used as salad
dressing.
And as the tree’s name suggests – beware of the thorns as you dive between the branches to pick out the perfectly
ripe berry or leaf. While your grocery store may not carry Hawthorn berries, farmers’ markets and specialty health
food stores are a good place to look. Hawthorn berry supplements are also available in powder, pill, or liquid form.
Teas can be made from the dried berries, flowers, and leaves or premade. The Hawthorn’s flowers are used to
make medicinal teas and tinctures.

Hawthorn berries are right up there in the ranks of pomegranates, grapes, blueberries, apples and
avocados for their high levels of antioxidants. As such, they may offer protection against a wide variety of
diseases, including cardiovascular disease.22 Heart failure, in particular, is a condition for which Hawthorn
has been found to be a useful adjunct to overall treatment.23

Traditional Chinese medicine has long believed in Hawthorn’s ability to lower blood pressure,
and recent studies have indeed documented the vasodilating effects.24, 25

Research also suggests that Hawthorn can play a role in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis,
lowering cholesterol, preventing oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), improving blood supply to
the heart, increasing strength of heart muscle contraction, and regulate heart rhythm.26
Early evidence also points to Hawthorn as aiding digestion, reducing cholesterol and triglycerides,
preventing hair loss, and reducing anxiety.27

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 9
 BIRCH

Birch trees are members of the genus Betula, which turns out to have a host of interesting nutritional
and therapeutic properties. As with many trees, birch bark, twigs, and leaves can be brewed into tea.
The leaves are full of vitamin C and can be steamed or sauteed. They are said to have a wintergreen-like
flavor.

Birch water, the sap of birch trees, harvested in early spring, is full of nutrients that are stored
during the winter and released into the sap. When it is tapped it is a clear and colorless liquid
with a mildly sweet taste.

Overall, it can be a very good way to hydrate, as it is low in sugars and calories and chock full of magnesium,
manganese, and antioxidants. Birch water may even boost skin and hair health! Servings of no more
than three per day are suggested pending better understanding of its effects and potential side-effects.
If the birch water isn’t consumed right away, it can be reduced to birch sap syrup or wine.28
You may have heard of birch beer, a carbonated drink made from herbal extracts and birch bark.
Alcoholic birch beer, on the other hand, involves fermenting birch sap rather than reducing it to an oil.
Birch beer can be purchased commercially, but some folks have chosen to make it something of an art-
form, one that dates back to the 17th century.
Medicinally, birch is thought to be beneficial for treating infections of the urinary tract and as a diuretic.29,30
While there are many potential benefits under study on compounds of the Betula genus to which birch
trees belong, the two most promising areas being investigated are their antiarthritic and anticancer
effects.31

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 10
 HIBISCUS

When you hear “hibiscus,” inevitably the first image that comes to mind is one of its beautiful, vibrantly
colored flowers, some as large as six inches across. Cultivated not only for decorative purposes, the
flowers, especially the red variety, and leaves can be made into teas and liquid extracts that can help
treat a variety of conditions.
Hibiscus tea has a tart taste and is made from a combination of dried flowers, leaves, and dark red
calyces, which form the center of the flowers. Once the flowers have bloomed and the petals have fallen
off, the calyces turn into pods which hold the seeds. Calyces are the principal ingredient of hibiscus
herbal drinks. Generally considered safe, these can be found at health food stores, but there are no
blanket recommendations for dosage.
Throughout history and across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond, hibiscus has been used
medicinally for diseases ranging from heart and nervous disorders to infections and cold symptoms to
treatment of wounds with pulp topically applied to the skin. In Iran, drinking it as sour tea is still a
common treatment for high blood pressure.32
Modern research appears to support its potential benefits for treating elevated blood pressure and
cholesterol.33-35
Also being studied is the potential therapeutic role of hibiscus in treating obesity, metabolic functions,
and fat build-up in the liver.36 Research is underway with respect to its cancer-fighting properties with
early encouraging results, but more study needed.37
Another exciting set of properties will be of interest to those who wish to combat the signs of aging that
appear in the form of dull, sagging, or wrinkling skin.
Hibiscus has a range of activities that support skin health including:
 Supporting collagen synthesis.
 Slowing down activity of the enzyme (collagenase) that degrades collagen.
 Protecting from activity of elastolytic enzymes that contribute to loss of skin elasticity.
 Easing inflammation through its antioxidant properties that neutralize damaging free radicals.
 Exfoliating the skin of dead cells to reveal more brightness.
And it may even help to accelerate wound healing when applied topically!
And, of course, the very act of staying hydrated contributes to skin health, so why not enjoy a cup of
hibiscus tea as a welcome alternative to water.38

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 11
 GINKGO BILOBA

The Ginkgo biloba tree is among the oldest of known tree species, sometimes referred to as a living
fossil. Ginkgo extract from its leaves have been the subject of hundreds of clinical trials, most famously
with regard to their potential to treat cognitive impairment – as in age-related memory loss, dementia,
Alzheimer’s disease. There is evidence supporting the claim that Ginkgo can, in some cases, lessen the
manifestations of dementia.39 While popular culture has made Ginkgo biloba practically a household
name as a means of keeping brain function sharp, the clinical data still paints a mixed and less than
conclusive picture.
Nevertheless, because it is relatively safe and well tolerated, Ginkgo extracts continue to be sought out to
promote mental functioning, both for healthy individuals and those with signs of clinical disease, where
Ginkgo is sometimes used as a supplement to other therapies.40
What may be less popularly known, but more compelling, are the antioxidant qualities of the plant’s
flavonoids and the circulation enhancing qualities of its terpenoids, which dilate blood vessels and reduce
platelet “stickiness.” It is therefore of interest in treatment of claudication in which leg pain is caused
from insufficient blood flow.41

Gingko extracts may play an important role in the prevention of neuronal degeneration in
Parkinson’s disease, and very recent research has shown promise of its potential anticancer
qualities.42,43

Anxiety, depression, vision and eye health, headaches and migraines, asthma and COPD, PMS symptoms,
and sexual dysfunction are all among the conditions for which Gingko is thought to have potential benefits.
All continue to be the subject of study, including determining how much of the benefit is strictly derived
from Ginkgo’s components and how much is a function of interaction with complementary bioactive
substances.
What is known is that there is potential interaction with several commonly used classes of medications,
including some blood thinners (like Warfarin), SSRI anti-depressants (like Zoloft and Prozac), and NSAIDs
(like Ibuprofen). Ginkgo can cause adverse side effect in these cases that range from unpleasant to
serious. Ginkgo is widely available in capsule, tablet, liquid extract, or dried leaves/tea. (44) The tree’s
plum-like fruit should not be eaten, and its seeds can actually be poisonous.
As with all supplements and plant extracts, consulting with your medical provider, especially if you
take medications or have a health condition, is important.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 12
 A Wrap-Up on Leaves
We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring what tree leaves represent as a source of
nutrition and therapeutic benefit. It should be noted that many, many other plant species have nutrients
and other biologically active compounds, well beyond what this article is intended to cover. But should
your interest have been stirred by the possibilities we have brought to light, these are some other trees
and shrubs that you might want to “leaf through:” Katuk, Gogi, Chaya, Chinese elm, Fennel, Sassafras,
Oak, Maple, and the Pine family.45, 46

Let’s Give a Shout-Out to BARK!

Talk about eye-opening! Did you know that cinnamon comes from the inner bark of trees in the genus
Cinnamomum. After the woody parts of the bark are removed, the inner bark dries and curls into rolls that we
know of as cinnamon sticks, which can then be ground into powder – the aromatic ingredient we commonly and
deliciously sprinkle into everything from breakfast buns and cookies to soups and stews.

Cinnamon, now inexpensive and widely available, was historically regarded as a highly treasured item.
Looking as far back as ancient Egypt, it was deemed a gift fit for a king!
Over 3,000 years ago in India, a holistic healing practice known as Ayurveda was developed around the
principles of balancing, mind, body, and spirit. In Ayurvedic medicine cinnamon is used to balance the
digestive tract, to clear respiratory passages, and support healthy circulation and joint health.47
Cambium is where most of the action is happening relative to ebible tree bark – it is the inner layer found
between the inner hard wood and the papery outer bark. It is soft and moist, and the part of the tree
trunk that is actually growing. It is also packed with nutrients, some with a distinct sweetness in taste.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 13
 The cambium of hundreds of trees is considered edible. It can be chewed, kind of like gum, but can also
be shredded and boiled to soften it. Dry roasted it becomes crouton-like and can be sprinkled atop a
salad. But the most common use – if you can call using tree bark common – is drying it into a powder
form and using as flour for baked goods. However, as with most things ingested, moderation is key – too
much cambium can be quite disturbing to the digestive system.48
As for outer bark, its use has mainly been confined to times of emergency food scarcity, as when birch
tree bark was ground up and added to rations during World War I. The Native American tribe of the
Iroquois, who inhabited the mountainous Adirondack region of upstate New York, actually interpreted
the meaning of the word “Adirondack” as “those who eat trees” and was used pejoratively in reference
to the neighboring Algonquin tribe.
Sassafras tea, made from sassafras bark and
root, has long been considered a traditional
favorite southern beverage. In recent decades,
however, it has been determined that one of
its ingredients – safrole – has potentially toxic,
carcinogenic effects and has been banned by
the FDA. Some manufacturers have developed
a process for removing the offending ingredient
and sassafras root bark can be purchased in herb
supply stores in powder form.49, 50
Hickory nut tree bark can be boiled into an
earthy, nutty tasting syrup. Birch tree bark
can be used as a flavoring that tastes similar to
wintergreen. And pulverized pine bark is used
in parts of Scandinavia to infuse cookies with
a Christmas-y flavor. Ponderosa pine, in fact,
bears a distinct vanilla scent. Most evergreen
trees – pine, spruce, fir – have edible inner bark.
As with all edibles found in the wild, there are cautions to be aware of – some bark and cambium are
toxic – containing tannin and cyanide, like yew and cherry trees.
One tree that you should hope never to encounter is the Manchineel tree – and should you find yourself
accidentally close to one – back away!! The Manchineel tree grows primarily in the tropical deep south
of North America (Florida Everglades and Keys especially) and northern regions of South America.
While the Manchineel is not the only tree with toxic qualities, it does stand out as the one with the
biggest red flag. Do not go near it, touch it, breathe the air around it, or stand underneath it in the rain!
Its fruit is highly poisonous, even lethal if ingested, and the tree’s sap causes painful, burn-like blisters,
on contact.
One interesting sidenote to the edible bark discussion – did you ever wonder what people in ancient
times used as dinnerware, the plates they ate off of? You guessed it, pieces of tree bark – an interesting
and ingenious twist on the art of “plating.”
Finally, be respectful of the trees themselves. If you are harvesting bark for consumption, do not strip
off an entire ring or you will kill the tree, effectively cutting off the irrigation system which allows water
from the roots to reach the leaves.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 14
 Segue to the “Softer Side” of Tree Benefits
We’ve explored quite a range of healthful uses for everything from succulent leaves to scaly bark, but the
discussion wouldn’t be complete without giving a nod to the soothing, softening, healing, anti-aging, and
otherwise skin-friendly benefits of plant extracts.
The antioxidative benefits of many plant-derived extracts have been widely documented for skin health
by their capacity to reduce the cell damaging effects of free radicals (the by-products of the natural
oxidative process, but one which can become a state of oxidative stress when free radicals gain the upper
hand) Antioxidants are considered the hardest-working allies your skin can have against inflammation,
the signs of aging, and the effects of years of sun exposure.52, 53
Enter the term cosmeceuticals. Easily the subject of an entire article unto itself, consider this segment a
brief overview of tree-originating plant nutrients for the skin. And once again, as with anything ending
with the suffix “ceutical” – it is advisable to consult with a professional in the field before embarking on
your health-enhancing regimen. Natural does not always equal safe or even effective. Know what you
are consuming, applying, and don’t rely on advertising as your information source!
The set of tree varieties believed to have therapeutic qualities is a mile long… essential oils from cypress
trees, fir trees, bay laurel leaf, tea trees, and many others possess a dizzying array of potential benefits.
Here, it is our intention to introduce you to several that have been studied scientifically and, in so doing,
we may just nudge your curiosity (and further information-seeking from trusted professionals) about
natural, plant-based alternatives to the synthetic, often expensive substances that crowd store shelves.
There is a lot of great research going on in the scientific world to help us better understand the benefits
of plant-based substances, and our skin is definitely on the list of beneficiaries of this rigorous inquiry.
Did you know that research laboratories are, as we speak, investigating the tree nut phytochemicals for
their antioxidant and other bioactive properties in almonds, Brazils, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias,
pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts?54 Coffeeberry extract is another that is being studied for its
role in combating the effects of oxidative stress.55

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 15
 Take almonds for example, they’ve long been a favorite for the skin benefits of their rich Vitamin E
content. There is also mounting evidence that almond oil can help reduce hypertrophic post-operative
scarring and has emollient properties that enhance complexion and skin tone.56
Spanish chestnut trees produce the edible chestnut which may be familiar to you as a turkey stuffing
ingredient at Thanksgiving, but less well-known is its extract that may have beneficial effects on skin cells
that have been damaged by UVB-exposure (aka sun damage).57
Add pomegranate extract to the list of protectants from the harmful effects of UVA (associated with skin
aging) and UVB (associated with skin burning) rays.58 It appears to also be useful in the treatment of skin
hyperpigmentation conditions.59
Date palm kernel extract is another skin nutrient that research has shown to have significant wrinkle-
reducing qualities.60
Pine bark extract is believed to provide protection from the sun’s damaging rays, to reduce
hyperpigmentation, and to improve skin barrier function and extracellular matrix homeostasis.61 The
skin’s elasticity and hydration may also benefit from a boost in hyaluronic acid and collagen production
related to this extract.
Cocoa butter is a familiar and friendly term in the skin moisturizing business. More recently, shea butter,
produced by the Shea Nut tree, is being used in a variety of hair and skin products for its moisturizing
qualities. It may also possess anti-inflammatory and protective qualities, blocking the action of enzymes
that degrade skin proteins during the aging process.62
And we’ve saved one of the best for last…
University of Rhode Island researchers have found that red maple leaf extract may produce fountain-of-
youth-like qualities for skin for its ability to interfere with the enzyme that breaks down elastin. This can
very significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, loose-looking skin, and other signs of “old-looking”
skin, and even help with age spots.63

We May Never Look at Trees

in Quite the Same Way Again

While so much of what comes to mind when we think of plant nutrients exists a bit closer to the
ground – such as an irresistible strawberry patch, tomato plants, or an aromatic herb garden – I
hope this report has adjusted your gaze a little skyward, as well.
The trees that shade and protect us and enrich our air with oxygen hold treasures beyond our
wildest imaginings – from nutritional value to health-protecting properties to healing powers.
Ancient cultures knew this, science has already confirmed some of it, and the future is destined
to unlock even more beneficial secrets from the trees. Let’s protect them as they protect us.

Eat the Trees: The Incredible Health Benefits of Little-Known Leaves, Bark, Berries, and Nuts from Common Trees 16
 The Purity Woods Promise
Our goal is to provide you only the world’s purest and most
effective skin care products to most powerfully combat the
appearance of “old-looking” skin.

That means no toxins. No “organic poser” products.

That means true USDA Certified Organic skin care products only
made from nature’s premiere ingredients, and as you’ll soon
experience, that makes all the difference.

FIND OUT MORE

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