BLACK HAW

BLACK HAW

(Viburnum opulus)

Other Names

Cramp Bark, European Cranberry, Guelder Rose.

Description

Black Haw is a deciduous spreading shrub that grows up to 13 feet tall.   The rusty-brown bark produces maple like leaves that turn purple in the fall.   The flat heads of creamy scented flowers bloom from May through June.   In the fall the shrub is filled with red berries.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Astringent

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool

Humor

Uses/Applications

Use Black Haw to relax muscle tension, spasms, muscle cramps, and tension headaches.   It is especially good for ovarian and uterine muscle problems.   It is also used to protect against threatened miscarriage, and to slow excessive blood loss from menstruation.

Bark

Cream

Use for muscle cramps and shoulder tension.

Tincture

Take as a relaxant for nervous or muscular tension.   Use for colicky conditions of the intestines, gall bladder, or urinary system.   Add to digestive remedies for an irritable bowel, or combine with butternut or rhubarb root for constipation caused by tension.   Use for menstrual pain or pain after childbirth, and menopausal symptoms.   It can also be added to remedies for high blood pressure.

Combinations

For cramps combine with Prickly Ash or Wild Yam. 

For uterine or ovarian problems combine with Black Hawthorn, or Valerian. 

For constipation combine with Butternut or Rhubarb root.

Constituents

Salicin, Volatile Oils, Tannins.

Action

Anti-Spasmodic, Sedative, Astringent, Nervine, Emmenagogue.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Dried Bark.

Collection

Collect the branch bark in the summer and the trunk bark in the fall.   Cut into pieces and dry thoroughly in the shade.

Preparation

Cream

Mix the tincture with a standard base to make a cream.

Decoction

Put 2 Tsp. of dried bark into a cup of water.   Bring to a boil, simmer 15 minutes.   Take three times per day.

Tincture

Take 4 - 8 ml. three times per day.

For menstrual pain or pain after childbirth take in either 1 ml. doses every 15 minutes or as a single 20 ml. dose.

Growing Directions

Black Haw grows best in rich, moist soil under full sunlight but it will tolerate poorer soil and partial shade.   Sow fresh seeds or cuttings in the spring.   Make certain it has plenty of water.

History

Cramp Bark is Black Haw’s true name, which sums up its medicinal value as a muscle relaxant.   The plant was known in the 14^th  Century when the berries were eaten.   It was first written about in 1857, reputed to relieve menstrual pain, prevent miscarriage, and easy deliver.   It was used by Native Americans for mumps and other swellings.   A Mississippi herbalist introduced Black Haw to the area, where it quickly became the standard treatment for gynecological complaints.   At that time it was most valued for preventing miscarriage.

Additional Information

1.   Salicin an ingredient in Black Haw is related to aspirin.

2.   Black Haw quiets the irritable womb allowing women that otherwise might miscarry to carry to term.

Cautions

1.   Only use under medical supervision in early pregnancy as there is a slight risk.   It is okay to take the last 5 weeks to help ease delivery.

2.   Do not give to children under 16 as it has aspirin like qualities that may increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but often fatal disease.

3.   Fresh berries are toxic but edible if cooked.

Magick Information

There is no magickal value.