Cramp Bark
(Viburnum opulus)
Energetics: Cooling. Drying
Taste: Bitter
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Reproductive system. Lungs.
Parts Used: Bark. Young stems. Root bark.
Key Components: Bitter component (viburnin). Valerianic acid. Tannins. Hydroquinones. Arbutin. Coumarins. Catechins.
Berries are said to high in vitamins C and K. Water soluble polysaccharides.
Preparations & dosage: Powdered: 1-4g as needed. Decoction: 1g in 1 cup water. Tincture: 1:5 extracted in either alcohol (45-55%) or a combination of alcohol & a bit of glycerin.
Actions:
Foundational: Relaxant. Astringent. Bitter.
Primary: Nervine. Sedative.
Secondary: Tonic. Antispasmodic.
Uses:
When there is a threat of miscarriage. Choice herb when the threat of miscarriage is caused by stress and anxiety causing uterine tension.
Relaxes the muscles of the uterus.
Can also tone the uterine tissues and also help to regulate contractions to help progress and aid in early labor.
Equally helpful after birth to relieve uterine cramping and hel to restore tone to uterine tissue.
Excessive menstrual bleeding or excessive menstrual bleeding associated with menopause.
Menstrual cramps.
Muscle spasms.
Uterine congestion which can be seen as cramping before the start of your cycle, delayed menstruation. Other possible signs are endometriosis, fibroids & ovarian cysts.
A good relaxant for asthma (antispasmodic).
Heart palpitations (as a sedative/relaxant)
To help relieve bedwetting in children.
Seizures.
Historically used for lockjaw.
In formulas for headaches and migraines associated with stress and tension.
High blood pressure caused by tension in the cardiac muscle, veins and arteries. Indications would be a very stressed out "type A" kind of person.
Can reduce pain and frequency of scant urination when dealing with urinary tract infections.
Berries are said to be used for colds and flus due to the high vitamin C content as well as the polysaccharides that act as stimulants for the imune system.
Combines well with: False Unicorn Root. Ginger. Angelica. Chamomile. Hawthorn. Nettle. Skullcap. Linden. Cinnamon. Prickly ash. Wild Yam. Valerian.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting: Harvest the root around April/May. Cut into small pieces and dry.
Contraindications: Small children and those allergic to aspirin should avoid Cramp bark. Do not use if taking blood thinners. Be aware if using when you already have low blood pressure. It could aggravate tinnitus.
Sources:
Herbal Healing for Women: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 175, 239
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 124-125
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 246
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 2: Matthew Wood. Pg 355-358
Studies:
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
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