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CRAMP
BARK
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(Viburnum
opulus)
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Other
Names
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Guelder
Rose, Black Haw.
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Description
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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.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Astringent
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Balance
Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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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.
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Bark
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Cream
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Use for
muscle cramps and shoulder
tension.
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Tincture
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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.
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Combinations
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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.
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Constituents
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Hydroquinones, Arbutin,
Methylarbutin, Coumarins,
Tannins.
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Action
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Anti-Spasmodic, Sedative,
Astringent, Nervine,
Emmenagogue.
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Food
Values
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None.
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Part
Used
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Dried
Bark.
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Collection
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Collect
from mid to late
spring.
Cut into pieces and dry
thoroughly.
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Preparation
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Cream
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Mix the
tincture with a standard base to make a
cream.
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Decoction
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Put 2
Tsp. of dried bark into a cup of
water.
Bring to a boil then simmer 15
minutes.
Take three times per
day.
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Tincture
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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.
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Growing
Directions
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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.
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History
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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.
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Additional
Information
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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.
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Cautions
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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.
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Magick
Information
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There
is no medicinal value.
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