It’s not often that we come across tree bark in the home apothecary, but Black Haw Bark can be found in the herbal tool kits of many physicians. Our ancestors found this medicinal bark useful for women’s reproductive health, especially during pregnancy, making it one of the most important herbs in modern obstetrics. Let’s explore the nutritional value, botany, and historical uses of Black Haw Bark.
Botany
Viburnum prunifolium or Black Haw Bark grows from Connecticut to Texas in North America. The shrubby appearance grows into a tree and thrives in wooded forests. In the spring you will see small white flowers that develop into dark black hawk berries in the early winter months. The bark of the tree trunk shows red, brown and gray colors with the distinct pattern of the fissures. The leaf blades have tooth-like structures that help distinguish them Viburnum lentago, who is most often mistaken. The close relative of Black Haw Bark, Cramp Bark or Viburnum opuluscan commonly be exchanged for medicinal purposes in Western herbal medicines.
WishGarden’s Black Haw forest farmer
Traditional use
Native Americans, African Americans, and early European settlers used Black Haw Bark throughout the central United States. For centuries, the Cherokee people made strong hot infusions to support healthy fluid retention, relieve occasional cramps and promote oral health. Its gynecological use has been largely documented in Native American cultures, but it is also used among African Americans on plantations. They didn’t have access to health care, so they created Black Haw Bark infusions to support a variety of reproductive health issues, including unwanted periods during early pregnancy and postpartum cramps. Their tinctures were made with hot water instead of alcohol because they did not have access to alcohol solvents.
Advantages
Black Haw Bark contains many plant nutrients and has an affinity for smooth muscle tissue. Compounds such as salicylic acid (found in aspirin), salicin and tannins can support a healthy functioning uterus by both strengthening and relaxing the tissue. Black Haw Bark is most commonly used by modern obstetricians to relieve postpartum cramps, when a woman’s uterus recedes to its original size. The abundant mineral content further supports healthy blood flow to the uterus and helps relax the autonomic nervous system. Black Haw Bark is a highly effective herb and a key component of WishGarden’s AfterEase For After Birth Contractions tincture.
Medicinal barks contain unique plant compounds that can provide effective reproductive support. It is important to remember responsible harvesting practices when extracting parts of shrubs or trees in biodiverse forests to ensure their future survival for generations to come.
References
Moerman E., Daniel, Native American Ethnobotany. 1998 wood press, page 595)
Lauren Ann Nichols-Sheffler attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and received her certificate in Medical Herbalism. She owns it Blue yarrow herbs also known as Herbal Vice, an herbal product company that practices bioregional herbal medicine by growing plants and sourcing locally. Lauren loves educating and advocating for plant sustainability. She is the purchasing and sourcing manager for WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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