Medicinal Plants : Viburnum prunifolium

Name

Black Haw

Biological Name

Viburnum prunifolium
Caprifoliaceae

Other Names

Stagbush, American Sloe, black haw

Parts Used

Dried bark of root, stem or trunk

Active Compounds

Coumarins, including scopoletin

Salicin

l-Methyl-2,3-dibutyl hemimellitate

Miscellaneous; viburnin, plant acids, volatile oil, tannin.

History

In 1866 Dr. E.W Jenks of Detroit described black haw as particularly valuable in preventing abortion and miscarriage, whether habitual or otherwise, whether threatened from accidental cause, or criminal drugging. The herb was thought to tone up the system, preventing or removing those harassing nervous symptoms that so Often torment and wear out the pregnant women. It enables the system to resist the deleterious influence of drugs so often used for the purpose of producing abortions. Black haw was largely employed in slavery times as a preventative of abortion, and to counteract the effects of cotton root [an abortive agent) taken with criminal intent. The sedative and anodyne properties of this herb was used for treating dysmenorrhoea. It enables the uterus to bear the burden cast on it with much less suffering.

Remedies For

Anti-spasmodic, nervine, hypotensive, astringent.

Black Haw is a powerful relaxant of the uterus and is used for dysmenorrhoea, false labor pains as well as in threatened miscarriage. Its relaxant and sedative actions are taken advantage of in its use in reducing blood pressure in hypertension. Its anti-spasmodic properties makes it a viable treatment for asthma. Heinerman, in his book 'Miracle Healing Herbs' gives anecdotal evidence of the use of this herb for treating asthma and bronchitis. It was felt that the herb helped in the evacuation of mucus in the lungs and throat.

Traditional use of black haw is for the treatment of uterine irritability and hyperasthesia; threatened abortion; uterine colic; dysmenorrhoea with deficient menses; severe lumbar and bearing-down pains; cramp-like, expulsive menstrual pain; intermittent, painful contractions of the pelvic tissues; after-pains and false pains of pregnancy; and obstinate hiccough.

Description

This herb is found in the Eastern and Central USA. This deciduous shrub can reach almost 16-1/2 feet in height, with its branches spreading upward. The leaves are dull-colored, finely toothed and nearly 3 inches long. The flowers are quite noticeable, somewhat large, and appear in nearly-topped heads between 3 and 5 inches in width. Bright red berries appear in August.

Dosage

Decoction: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried bark in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.

Tincture: take 5 - 10 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Safety

No information is available. Do not eat the uncooked fruit.