CRAMP BARK

CRAMP BARK	(Viburnum opulus)
Other Names	Guelder Rose, Black Haw.
Description	Cramp Bark is a deciduous spreading shrub that grows to 13 feet. The reddish-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 Cramp Bark to relax muscle tension, spasms, muscle cramps, and ovarian and uterine muscle problems. It is also used to protect against threatened miscarriage and to slow excess 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, gallbladder or urinary system. Add to digestive remedies for an irritable bowel, or combine with butternut or rhubarb 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.
Constituents	Hydroquinones, Arbutin, Methylarbutin, Coumarins, Tannins.
Action	Anti-Spasmodic, Sedative, Astringent, Nervine, Emmenagogue.
Food Values	None.
Part Used	Dried Bark.
Collection	Collect from mid to late spring. Cut into pieces and dry thoroughly.
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 then 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	Cramp Bark grows best in rich, moist soil under full sunlight but it will tolerate poorer soil and some shade. Sow fresh seeds or cuttings in the spring. Make certain they have adequate water.
History	Cramp Bark’s true name is Guelder Rose. The name Cramp Bark better sums up its medicinal value as a muscle relaxant. The plant was used as far back as the 14th Century when the berries were eaten. It was used by Native Americans for mumps and other swellings. A close relative Black Haw is an even more important American variety known for its significant relaxing action of the uterus.
Additional Information	1. Salicin an ingredient in Cramp Bark that is related to aspirin. 2. Cramp Bark 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 medicinal value.

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Herbal Medicine can help all of us Whether it is for a specific ailment or a tonic that promotes overall health and well being. We live in a world were we are bombarded with pollutants of all sorts.

Our bodies can only do so much before they become run down and cannot function properly. Think of your body like your car. If you do not keep it tuned up it does not perform optimally.

Your body needs your help in staying tuned and running properly. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you never had to worry about another cold or how about constantly feeling tired.

These dreams are within your reach. “Healing Herb’s for the Mind Body and Soul” will become the number one reference book in your home.