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Cramp Bark
 


Alternative Names: High (Bush) Cranberry or Squaw Bush.

The bark of Viburnum opulus has been historically known as Cramp Bark. Source

This small tree is found in Europe as well as North America and parts of Asia. The bark contains valerianic acid, viburnin, resins, and tannins. Cramp Bark finds its way in a few formulations (or tinctured individually) for the conditions of pain and muscle cramping.

Reasons For Use
Listed in the Merck Index as an antispasmodic (uterine), this was a favorite of many of the eclectic physicians for cramps, uterine cramping and pain, pain in the back or thighs, neuralgia, and trigger point pains. It was also considered anti-abortive in The King's American Dispensary.





GLOSSARY

Antispasmodic
Preventing spasms.

Cramp (Cramping, Cramps)
A sudden, involuntary, painful muscular contraction.

Neuralgia (Neuralgic)
Pain of severe throbbing or stabbing nature along a nerve.

Uterus (Uterine)
The part of the female reproductive system specialized to allow the implantation, growth and nourishment of a fetus during pregnancy.




Last updated: May 18, 2008
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