Cramp Bark

Species Name: viburnum opulis.

Also known as: Also known as Guelder Rose, Snowball Tree, Red Elder, Rose Elder, and Water Elder, Cramp Bark is called by many names.

What is Cramp Bark? Cramp Bark resembles the common elder. It is the bark of the Cramp bark tree, also known as Viburnum Opulus. 

The Meskwaki Indians of North America took Cramp Bark for cramps and pains throughout the body, while the Penobscot Indians used it to treat swollen glands and mumps.

The berries of Cramp Bark have anti-scorbutic (usually containing vitamin C, and preventing scurvy) properties.

Home Remedies using cramp bark:

Benefits of Cramp Bark:

Cramp Bark is commonly used in herbal medicine as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic in asthma, hysteria, or menstrual cramping.

Uses of Cramp Bark:

Cramp Bark is used to relieve muscle tension in the intestines, airways, uterus, and striated muscles in the limbs or back. 

As its name indicates, cramp bark is most used to relieve cramps, including menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps.

Although cramp bark contains small amounts of several different compounds, a chemical known as viopudial is believed to provide cramp bark with its cramp-relieving effects.

Viopudial is thought to relax muscles by partially blocking an enzyme involved with causing muscle spasms. It may also have direct effects on muscle tissue – particularly the muscles in the uterus. It is also known to provide relief in treating arthritis, and treating high blood pressure and circulatory problems.

Use of Cramp Bark:

It can be taken internally, as a tea, extract, elixir, or tincture, or applied externally, as a poultice or liniment. It is important to read label directions before use.

Side Effects of Cramp Bark:

There are no known side effects associated with cramp bark, but since few tests have been conducted, avoid use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with liver or kidney disease. 

No interactions have been reported between cramp bark and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. 

Again, because few reliable studies of cramp bark have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not fully known, so be sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use cramp bark.