Latin name: Viburnum opulus
Family: Caprifolioaceae (Honeysuckle family)
Image Credit: Gaia Herbs 
Image Credit: MedicinalHerbals.net
DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Part of the Plant Used
Bark.
CONSTITUENTS
- Esculetin (antispasmotic)
- Viopudial (antispasmotic)
- Beta-sitosterol (phytoestrogenic sterol)
- Iridoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, sespqiterpenes, coumarins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, organic acids.
- Salicin, amentoflavone, chologenic acid (mostly in wild species).
- Resins,
- Valeric acid
- Tannins
- Bitter substance – viburnin
- Saponins
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
- Uterine pain, dysmenorrhoea
- Period pain with cramping – ACUTE but best taking BEFORE period to create a tonifying effect, prepare the uterus
- False labour pains
- Cramps of both skeletal and smooth muscle
- Muscular cramps / tension
- IBS and Intestinal colic
- Cramping of the bladder
- Cramping of the back of the legs
- Hypertension
- Cramps and spasms of all kinds; cramps in the legs
- Uterine dysfunction, uterine pain, ovarian pain
- Threatened miscarriage – similar to Black Haw, uterine tonic action
- Spasmodic contractions of the bladder
- Hypertension
Antispasmodic, astringent, nervine, cerebrospinal vasostimulant, hypotensive, beta-2 receptor antagonist, carminative, restores sympathetic and parasympathetic balance in voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilator, anti asthmatic, analgesic.
Cramp bark can be used for most spasmodic pains but is specific for congestive conditions of the female genitourinary tract. It’s indicated for pelvic pains that extend into the thighs which is accompanied by nausea. Cramp bark helps to relax muscles and tight tissues. It’s great for both smooth and striated muscle. Cramp bark is also used for bronchial, gastrointestinal, genitori and skeletal muscle spasms. Due to its astringent and osmotic nature it is useful for menstrual cramps with excessive blood loss. Cramp bark is helpful with threatened miscarriage where there is a spastic uterus which may also involve hypertension. It has been used to prevent habitual abortions, morning sickness, premature contractions, hemorrhaging during labor and postpartum delivery. It’s also been used as a muscle relaxant for leg cramps, which may also be rooted in magnesium deficiency. Cramp bark may also be beneficial for asthma as it relaxes bronchial tubes and allows for better flow of air.
Energetics: astringent, bitter, cool + dry.
HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS
Cramp bark may cause hypotension in large doses and should not be used during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The fruits have an astringent bitter sour taste and are considered slightly toxic because of the occurrence of the glycosides. This may instigate gastroenteritis. Take caution if one has kidney stones, given the levels of the plant’s oxalates. Some evidence also suggests that cramp bark may aggravate tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. Cramp bark may have disinfectant activity; therefore, take caution if using antibiotics or antioxidant drugs. Caution may also be advised in patients with immunosuppressant agents as cramp bark berries may enhance phagocytosis.
FORMULARY
Dosage
Decoction: 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:5 dry strength liquid extract: 20-75 drops 1 to 4 times per day. For spasms: 1 teaspoon per hour, or 15 drops every 15 minutes, as needed, for several hours.
- BARK TINCTURE: Relaxant for nervous or muscular tension. Add to digestive remedies for IBS or combine with rhubarb for constipation caused by tension.
- CREAM: Tincture + standard base. Apply muscle cramps or shoulder retention.
