Latin Name: Viburnum opulus
Alternate Names: High Bush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Guelder Rose, Stagbush
Family: CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Parts Used: Dried bark of root or stem.
Properties: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Cardiotonic, Diuretic, Nervine, Sedative, Uterine Sedative, Tonic.
Internal Uses: Asthma, Convulsions, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, False Labor, Headache, Hysteria, Mumps, Postpartum Pain, Rheumatism, Spasms, Tachycardia, Threatened Miscarriage
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
This wonderful herb has been successfully used by millions of women in cases of threatened miscarriage. Women with a history of miscarriage should use it prophylactically.
Topical Uses: Arthritis, Backache, Muscle Soreness
Topical Applications: Lotions and liniments are used for sore muscles, back pain and arthritic joints.
Culinary uses: Cooked berries, though bitter, have been made into liqueurs and jellies.
Energetics: Cool, Bitter, Dry.
Chemical Constituents: Vitamin K, viburnin, isovalerianic acid, hydroquinines, coumarins, salicin, salicosides, arbutin, sterol, tannin, resin.
Contraindications: Uncooked berries are toxic. Avoid Crampbark in cases of blood clotting impairment.
Comments: Crampbark is native to north America. The berries have been used to make dye and ink.
The common name Crampbark includes the species Viburnum lentago, Viburnum trilobum, Viburnum edule and Viburnum prunifolium, which are used interchangeably with Viburnum opulis.