(also referred to as...)
Snowball Tree, Geulder Rose
Latin Name: Viburnum opulus
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Description
This shrub is part of the elder tree family and grows between five and ten feet in height. It is native to North America as well as the U.K. and other parts of Europe. The berries grow in clusters and are ripe in August. They should not be consumed straight off the tree due to the bitter taste. The Penobscot Indians prepared cramp bark as a tea and used this remedy for mumps and swollen glands. When dried, the berries turn black and have been used to produce ink.
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.
Source
Bark.
Preparations
Infusion: Bring 3 1/2 teaspoons bark and 3 cups water to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day.
Tincture: A few drops of the tincture of cramp bark or black haw can be added to a pregnant woman's raspberry or chamomile tea to help prevent miscarriage.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Although this is a safe plant it would be wiser to avoid it in the first few months of pregnancy.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
By browsing / printing any and all My Best Remedies articles / pages, you agree to the statements above.
