Below we are focusing on Cramp Bark and Black Haw, two versions of Viburnums with remarkable properties. Take a look and think about how you can use these plants in your own life!

1. Cramp Bark

Cramp bark – viburnum opulus – relieves muscle spasms and cramps. It reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation.
While not usually employed for cardiac health, cramp bark can reduce blood pressure, possibly due to its ability to soothe and relieve discomfort. Its astringent actions tone tissues, reduce swelling and staunch bleeding.

Cramp bark reduces discomfort of voluntary and involuntary muscles. Voluntary muscles are the ones that we use when we move. Hence, the herb helps to relieve pain when muscles are overworked or strained. Tension of the involuntary muscles is reduced when cramp bark is employed, and it relieves spasms of the urinary and digestive systems.

It also relieves menstrual cramps by promoting relaxation of muscles. The herb has been employed to help regulate menstrual cycles. Cramp bark’s astringent actions help to decrease excessive menstrual flow. The herb has been used for centuries as an aid to prevent miscarriage.

2. Black Haw

Like its cousin cramp bark, black haw – viburnum prunifolium – is used to relax the uterus. It relieves painful menstruation and is used by herbalists to help prevent miscarriage. Women who suffer from menstrual discomfort in the lower back or have “back labor” may find black haw to be particularly helpful. It relieves stagnation and congestion of the pelvic organs.

Black haw is beneficial for women who are menopausal or pre-menopausal. It can help to regulate cycles.

Midwives recommend its use as an aid to help women in labor. The herb relieves leg and sciatic pains, which are common during late pregnancy. Black haw also is helpful for decreasing pain which is due to uterine cramping after giving birth.

To learn more about Black Haw and Cramp Bark please go on over to Off the Grid News.

We like anything that is helpful and natural. It’s also a plus when such plants work on a number of different ailments. As always, it is a good idea to check with your doctor when taking anything for medicinal purposes. But it’s great to know not everything that helps you has to come from a pill bottle!