Herbs - Cramp Bark - Ailments / Situations Where Used

The bark of this plant is, as the name suggests, a great treatment for any type of cramping. Cramp bark is a great muscle relaxant and sedates the nervous system. When physical and mental tensions have combined and are causing internal chaos, cramp bark is your herb of choice. The viburnin in the plant is anti-spasmodic and the valerianic acid is sedating and relaxing to the muscles and has a tendency to lower high blood pressure. It also works well on heart palpitations.

Cramp bark can be used in a nervous bowel, colic, gall bladder problems, asthma, and even constipation caused by tension. The bark is quite serviceable in most uterine problems (black haw is probably better) and is used for any cramps or discomforts associated with menstruation. Cramp bark has a tonic influence on the uterus and can help regulate the menstrual cycle. Use as a preventative in a threatened miscarriage. The astringency of the plant helps in excessive blood loss in menstration and during menopause.

Cramp bark's cousin, black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) can be substituted and is a little more powerful and more specific to the uterus.