Medicinal Plants : Viburnum opulus

Name

Cramp Bark

Biological Name

Viburnum opulus
Caprifoliaceae

Other Names

Cramp Bark, Guelder Rose

Parts Used

Dried bark

Active Compounds

Hydroquinones; arbutin, methylarbutin and traces of free hydroquinone

Coumarins, such as scopoletin and scopoline

Tannins; mainly catechins.

Remedies For

Anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, nervine, hypotensive, astringent, emmenagogue.

Cramp Bark has a reputation as a relaxer of muscular tension and spasm. It has two main areas of use. Firstly in muscular cramps and secondly in ovarian and uterine muscle problems. Cramp Bark will relax the uterus and so relieve painful cramps associated with periods (dysmenorrhoea). In a similar way it may be used to protect from threatened miscarriage. Its astringent action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood loss in periods and especially bleeding associated with the menopause.

Combinations : For the relief of cramp cramp bark may be combined with Prickly Ash and Wild Yam. For uterine and ovarian pains or threatened miscarriage it may be used with Black Haw and Valerian.

Description

Found in Europe, Britain and America.

Dosage

Decoction: Put 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried bark into a cup of water and bring to the boil. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk hot three times a day.

Tincture: Take 4-8 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.