Cramp Bark / Chamomile

Cramp Bark is also known by the names High Bush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Guelder Rose, and Stagbush. Cramp Bark is native to North America. The common name Cramp Bark includes the species Viburnum lentago, Viburnum trilobum, Viburnum edule, and Viburnum prunifolium, which are used interchangeably with Viburnum opulus. The parts of the plant used medicinally are the dried bark of root and stem. The berries have been used to make dye and ink. This herb was used by the Native Americans for its ability to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. Traditionally, the bark was removed and boiled into a tea and drunk to relieve cramps. Cramp Bark has been successfully used by millions of women in cases of threatened miscarriage. Women with a history of miscarriage should use it prophylactically. Cramp Bark contains viopudial, hydroquinones, coumarins and tannins. As to which components are the active principles, which are responsible for its ability to relax muscles, it is thought to be viopudial, which has proved to be a smooth muscle anti-spasmodic. Other known constituents include vitamin K, viburnin, isovalerianic acid, salicin, salicosides, arbutin, sterol, and resin.

Chamomile is one of the oldest favorites amongst garden herbs, and its reputation as a medicinal plant shows little signs of abatement. The active principles are a volatile oil of pale blue color, a little Anthemic acid (a bitter principle), tannic acid and a glucoside. Chamomile's high content of the amino acid tryptophan has been used for sleeplessness and insomnia since the 1600's. It helps to restore an exhausted nervous system. It is served in some European hospitals to calm patients. Use Chamomile tea to treat the headaches due to caffeine withdrawal. It is also wonderful for soothing upset stomach. Chamomile is frequently used as a mild sedative, to calm the nerves reduce anxiety, and induce a state of pleasant relaxation without disrupting normal function or interfering with motor coordination. Chamomile is a carminative, calming upset stomachs and easing digestion. Chamomile's effectiveness is also due to its anti-inflammatory properties, soothing ulcers and reducing gastritis and other mucous membrane inflammations. One of the most popular uses for chamomile has been in creams and lotions for the skin. Chamomile has good anti-bacterial action, as well as anti-fungal action against Candida albicans.