Viburnum opulus

Common name: Cramp bark

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Part used: Stem bark

Habitat: Cramp bark is a decidious shrub which can grow to 4m tall and is native toEurope, northern Africa and northern Asia. It has poisonous fresh fruit, is drought tender but frost resistant.

Constituents: Salicosides, valeric acid, birtter (viburnin), tannins, hydroquinones, coumarins

Actions: Spasmolytic (relieves spasm), sedative, astringent

Traditional and current uses:

• Period pains, abdominal cramping, ovarian pain
• Muscle cramping or spasm after exercise or injury
• Migraine or tension headache
• As a sedative for emotional and physical tension
• Hypertension
• Colic, IBS, nervous dyspepsia, dysphagia, cholecystalgia
• Asthma, whooping cough
• Urinary spasm and stones
• Bedwetting in children

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.