Crampbark is native to eastern North America and Europe. The deciduous shrub has lobed leaves, white flowers and red oval berries. It prefers to grow in forests and thickets on moist and moderately alkaline soil. Bark from the branches can be collected in spring and summer when the plant is blooming.
Other common names for V. opulus include Guelder rose, water elder, European cranberry and snowball tree. V. opulus is often used interchangeably with black haw, or Viburnum prunifoliumhis North American relative.
Folklore and traditional use
The North American Meskwaki people used Crampbark to relieve cramps and discomfort throughout the body. The Penobscot people used the herb to promote lymph node health. V. opulus was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1894-1916 and in the National Formulary from 1916-1960 as a sedative and to relieve muscle spasms.
It has a long history of folklore in Ukraine and Russia. V. opulus references can be found in Ukrainian poems, songs, art and embroidery. Its symbolism in Ukrainian culture can be traced back to Slavic paganism, which dates back 1,000 years. The berries symbolize one’s native land, blood and family roots. The V. opulus berries are also considered a Russian national symbol. The red color of the berries represents beauty and the bitter taste of the berries represents separation from loved ones in Russian folklore.
Women’s health
As the common name Crampbark suggests, this herb is known for its ability to relieve discomfort associated with a woman’s menstruation. Taken internally as a tea or tincture, Crampbark is considered by herbalists, midwives and naturopathic physicians to be extremely effective in toning the muscles of the uterus and relieving spasms. Eclectic physicians of the 19th century used Crampbark extensively for irregular periods and to facilitate rapid and uncomplicated childbirth. Today, you can often find Crampbark in women’s health formulas such as the WishGarden formulas AfterEase For After Birth Contractions and Cramp Release Menses Soother.
Muscle discomfort
While Crampbark may be best known for its effectiveness in women’s health, its usefulness extends to the entire body. This incredible herb tends to create balance where it is needed, by firming sagging tissues or relaxing tense muscles, depending on what a specific part of the body needs most. Due to its effectiveness in soothing tension in the smooth muscles (intestines, heart, lungs and uterus) And striated muscles (attached to the skeleton), Crampbark has proven useful in many situations, as it relieves digestive complaints, promotes respiratory and cardiac health, and urinary tract health.
An oil (such as olive oil or jojoba oil) infused with the bark can be added to a lotion for topical use for muscle complaints. WishGarden has an effective formula called Deep Recovery Musclar-Skeletal that contains Crampbark and other herbs to support tired muscles and joints.
Another way to use Crampbark topically is to prepare a fomentation. This is how you make a fomentation:
- Simmer ¼ cup of bark in 2 cups of water in a covered saucepan for 20 minutes.
- Strain the bark and let it cool slightly.
- Soak a cloth in the tea and apply it to the affected area for at least 20 minutes.
- Place a warm towel or heating pad over the cloth to keep it warm longer.
References
- Wikipedia”Viburnum opulus“
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevalier
- Herbal medicine for women’s health by Dr. Aviva Romm
- Herbal medicine from the heart of the earth by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner
Writer Amy Malek, CCN, CCH, INHC is a certified clinical nutritionist, certified clinical herbalist, integrative nutritional health coach, and flower essence practitioner. She discovered her love of plants in the Sonoran Desert while living in Tucson, Arizona. She has been studying plants from the mountains in the west and southwest for ten years. Her many teachers include Paul Bergner, Rosemary Gladstar, Dr. Aviva Romm, Lisa Ganora, Kat MacKinnon, Erin Smith, John Slattery and Charles Kane. Her career is divided between Holistic Health, Graphic/Web Design and Marketing/Social Media Consulting. She is currently the Social Media Coordinator of WishGarden. She lives in Boulder County, CO. She enjoys wild crafting and growing her own medicinal plants and making a variety of herbal medicines. You can find more information about her practice on her website, www.wholeheart-wellness.com.
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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