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Cramp Bark
Viburnum opulus
In North America you will find this 8 to 12 foot deciduous shrub in much of woodlands of the eastern United States. Viburnum is known as Kalyna in the Ukraine and is very much a part of their folk tradition pictured in embroidery work, mentioned in folk songs, and in Slavic mythology. One of the earliest documented examples of adulteration in botanical medicine in the US occurred with this plant. The bark was made official in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1894 and was included in the National Formulary in 1916. Widespread adulteration by mountain maple (Acer spicatum) and other Viburnum species led to confusion about the correct source plant. A later review surveyed the botanical, chemical, and pharmacological differences between black haw and cramp bark.
What is Cramp Bark Used For?
This plant has been traditionally used as a food source (berries) and as a plant remedy. Historically the eclectic physicians recommended it to support the body's adaptation associated with menstruation. It has also been found to be useful for the common complaints associated with normal menstrual cycles. As the plant name suggests, it can be used exactly for just that purpose! The bark contains methyl salicylate which is a weak acting precursor to the salicylic acid that is used in aspirin, but much less irritating to the gastric mucosa.
Traditional Health Benefits of Cramp Bark
Active Constituents of Cramp Bark
Coumarin, Salicin, flavonoids and triterpenes such as ursolic acid, hydroxycoumarins, caffeic acid derivatives, phenolcarboxylic acids, and tannins.
Jarboe CH, Zirvi KA, Nicholson JA, Schmidt CM. Scopoletin . J Med Chem . 1967;10:488-489. Hörhammer L, Wagner H, Reinhardt H. Chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics of the components of Viburnum prunifolium and V. opulus . Botan Mag (Tokyo). 1966;79:510-525. Youngken HW. The pharmacognosy, chemistry and pharmacology of Viburnum . III. History, botany and pharmacognosy of Viburnum opulus L. Var. americanum . (Miller) Aiton. J Am Pharm Assoc . 1932;21:444-462.
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.