Lighthouseherbs Blog

Cramp Bark
( Viburnum opulus )

The herb, which is a stimulant as well as a relaxant, helps strengthen the uterus and is credited with the ability to guard against miscarriage. Its effectiveness as a muscle relaxant also leads to its use in treating arthritis, anxiety, and serve headaches.

Cramp bark is a tall, up to 15 feet high, deciduous shrub that is also called high bush cranberry, squaw bush, and European cranberry bush,
Cramp bark is known traditionally for its effectiveness in relieving muscular cramps and spasms. The herb is especially recommended to help ease cramps associated with menstruation and pregnancy and help with related problems such as an excessive flow during menopause.

Aids with: muscular cramps, menstrual cramps, menopausal problems. With out side effects that is known.
At home use: Add 2 tsp. cramp bark to 1 cup water and bring to a boil; simmer covered 10 minutes to 15 minutes. Drink hot 3 times a day.

As a tincture; Take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. every 4 hours as needed for cramps.

Combinations; For menstrual cramps, use with prickly ash and wild yam or with dong quai. To prevent miscarriage during pregnancy, mix with black haw or mix with equal parts button snakeroot. For migraines brought on by stress may benefit from a combination of equal parts hawthorn, linden, wood betony, skullcap, and cramp bark, take 3 times a day as a tea or tincture. Cramp bark is also used with linden blossoms to help relieve anxiety associated with high blood pressure. A tincture of cramp bark and lobelia can help relieve arthritis or bursitis.

Always consult a qualified practitioner for the dosage appropriate for you and the specific condition being treated.

PRECAUTIONS are fresh cramp bark berries are poisonous, This herb should not be used with children unless it is specifically prescribed by a healthcare practitioner who is knowledgeable about herbs.!!!!!