Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus

Cramp Bark

In North America you will find this 8 to 12 foot deciduous shrub in much of woodlands of the eastern United States. Viburnum is known as Kalyna in the Ukraine and is very much a part of their folk tradition pictured in embroidery work, mentioned in folk songs, and in Slavic mythology. One of the earliest documented examples of adulteration in botanical medicine in the US occurred with this plant. The bark was made official in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1894 and was included in the National Formulary in 1916. Widespread adulteration by mountain maple (Acer spicatum) and other Viburnum species led to confusion about the correct source plant. A later review surveyed the botanical, chemical, and pharmacological differences between black haw and cramp bark.

What is Cramp Bark Used For?

This plant has been traditionally used as a food source (berries) and as a plant remedy. Historically the eclectic physicians recommended it to support the body’s adaptation associated with menstruation. It has also been found to be useful for the common complaints associated with normal menstrual cycles. As the plant name suggests, it can be used exactly for just that purpose! The bark contains methyl salicylate which is a weak acting precursor to the salicylic acid that is used in aspirin, but much less irritating to the gastric mucosa.