Don’t Toss Those Sour Cherry Pits! Turn Them Into a Delicious, Healing Homemade Treat

Sour cherries are one of nature’s most vibrant, tangy fruits, loaded with antioxidants and bursting with flavor. Whether turned into pies, juices, or jams, they often leave behind a pile of discarded pits. Most people see these pits as waste, throwing them out without a second thought. But what if we told you that those humble little stones could be transformed into something both delightful and medicinal?

Yes, sour cherry pits—when handled properly—can be repurposed into a homemade treat or health remedy that offers flavor, warmth, and wellness. This article explores the forgotten uses of cherry pits, how to safely prepare them, and why they deserve a spot in your natural remedy repertoire. By the end, you’ll be amazed at the hidden potential in what you used to toss away.

Let’s dive into the sweet, sour, and surprisingly powerful world of sour cherry pits.

The Ancient Wisdom of Using Cherry Pits

For centuries, cultures across Europe and Asia have made use of fruit pits, especially those from cherries and apricots, in natural medicine and home crafts. While modern convenience has pushed many of these traditions aside, there’s growing interest in reviving these methods—especially among those who value natural living and zero-waste practices.

Cherry pits, especially from sour varieties, contain trace amounts of amygdalin, a compound that can release small amounts of cyanide when raw. But don’t panic—when used properly and heated, these compounds break down or are neutralized, making the pits safe for culinary and therapeutic use. Many traditional practices involved boiling or baking the pits to prepare them safely.

Aside from medicinal use, cherry pits have long been used in heating pillows, teas, liqueurs, and even beauty products. It turns out there’s a world of possibility inside each small pit.

1. Sour Cherry Pit Tea – A Comforting, Soothing Brew

One of the most common traditional uses for cherry pits is making a mild, warming tea. The tea is light and slightly nutty in flavor and has been used to ease bloating, support kidney function, and soothe the nervous system.

How to Make Sour Cherry Pit Tea:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cleaned, dried sour cherry pits

• 3–4 cups filtered water

• Optional: cinnamon stick or dried mint

Instructions:

1. First, clean your sour cherry pits thoroughly by rinsing them under warm water and removing any leftover pulp.

2. Dry the pits in the sun or in a low oven (around 50°C) for a few hours until completely dry.

3. Roast the pits lightly in a pan for 5–10 minutes to enhance their flavor and reduce any lingering bitterness.

4. Boil the pits in water for 15–20 minutes. Add herbs like cinnamon or mint if desired.

5. Strain and sip. The tea is mild but aromatic, with soothing properties.

This tea is often used in traditional remedies for kidney cleansing, joint pain, and fluid retention.

2. Sour Cherry Pit Pillow – Natural Pain Relief and Warmth

Another old-fashioned remedy that’s making a comeback is the cherry pit pillow. Once cleaned and dried, the pits can be sewn into fabric to create a therapeutic pillow. When heated, the pits retain warmth and gradually release it—making the pillow ideal for treating sore muscles, cramps, and even headaches.

DIY Cherry Pit Heating Pillow:

What You Need:

• 2 cups dried, cleaned cherry pits

• A cloth pouch (made of cotton, linen, or muslin)

• Needle and thread or sewing machine

Instructions:

1. Fill the cloth pouch with the dried cherry pits and sew it shut securely.

2. To use, heat the pillow in the microwave for 1–2 minutes (depending on its size).

3. Apply to aching muscles, lower back pain, or over the abdomen during menstrual cramps.

Cherry pit pillows are reusable, eco-friendly, and safer than electric heating pads. They’re also naturally mold-resistant due to the hard, dry nature of the pits.

3. Sour Cherry Pit Extract – For Skin and Anti-Aging

While not as commonly practiced at home, cherry pit oil is rich in antioxidants and has moisturizing properties. It’s cold-pressed commercially, but you can make a homemade extract with benefits for your skin.

Cherry Pit Skin Tonic (Simple Infused Oil):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cherry pits, dried and crushed slightly with a hammer

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil or almond oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the crushed pits and oil in a clean glass jar.

2. Seal and store in a sunny window for 2–3 weeks, shaking daily.

3. Strain the oil and store in a dark bottle.

Use this infused oil as a gentle facial massage oil or body oil. It’s said to nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote a youthful glow.

4. Cherry Pit Liqueur – A Delicious Digestif

In Balkan countries and parts of Eastern Europe, sour cherry pits are traditionally used to infuse spirits and create flavorful liqueurs. These are consumed in small amounts after meals to aid digestion.

Simple Cherry Pit Liqueur Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup clean, dried sour cherry pits

• 500 ml rakija, vodka, or brandy

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Lightly crush the cherry pits.

2. Combine the pits and alcohol in a jar. Add honey if desired.

3. Seal and store in a cool, dark place for at least 2–3 weeks.

4. Strain and enjoy a small glass as a post-meal treat.

This digestif is not only delicious but has a nostalgic, old-world charm that connects us to ancestral traditions.

5. Other Creative Uses: Eco-Friendly and Natural Living

Beyond teas and tonics, cherry pits can be ground (carefully) and added in small amounts to homemade scrubs, soaps, and exfoliants. Their mild abrasiveness makes them great for natural skincare.

They can also be used as filler in natural toys, cushions, and heating bags due to their durability and sustainability. Since they don’t absorb moisture easily, they don’t spoil or mold like other organic fillers might.

A Note on Safety

While cherry pits are full of promise, it’s essential to use them correctly:

• Never eat raw or crushed pits directly. They contain amygdalin, which can convert into cyanide in the body. When heated or dried and infused, the compound becomes neutralized and safe for topical or infused use.

• Do not grind them into powder for ingestion.

• Always supervise children when using cherry pit pillows or toys.

With proper preparation, cherry pits are not only safe—they’re incredibly useful.

Barbara O’Neill’s View on Reusing Natural “Waste”

Barbara O’Neill, the respected naturopath and health educator, often emphasizes the healing power of whole foods and natural remedies. She’s also a passionate advocate for reducing waste and honoring what nature gives us in full.

“There is no waste in nature. What we call waste, the body or the earth can turn into something useful—if we just learn how to work with it,” O’Neill shares.

This philosophy applies perfectly to sour cherry pits. Instead of throwing them away, we can rediscover their uses—from teas that support kidney health, to pillows that relieve pain, to oils that nourish the skin. This not only respects the fruit’s full value but aligns with natural living in the most practical and beautiful way.

Final Thoughts

Next time you find yourself with a pile of sour cherry pits, think twice before tossing them. They’re not waste—they’re an untapped resource brimming with possibilities. Whether you turn them into a tea, a pillow, or a skin tonic, you’ll be reviving a tradition of using the whole plant, honoring your health and the environment at the same time.

By giving new life to cherry pits, you’re not only crafting a homemade treat—you’re creating a ritual that connects you to the wisdom of nature and generations past.