Cramp Bark

Botanical:  Viburnum opulus
Family: Caprifoliaceae (honey-suckle)

Other common names: High Bush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Guelder Rose, King's Crown, High Cranberry, Rose Elder, May Rose, Silver Bells, Black Haw Bark

Cramp Bark has a reputation as a relaxer of muscular tension and spasms.  This herb

has two main areas of use: first for relieving muscular cramps, and second, for alleviating ovarian and uterine muscle problems.  Cramp Bark will relax the uterus and relieve painful cramps associated with periods (dysmenorrhea).  Its astringent action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood loss in  menstrual periods and especially bleeding associated with menopause.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Cramp Bark is native to North America, and 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 (and are poisonous).  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, but today, this application is not recommended unless directed by a qualified physician.  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 antispasmodic.  Other known constituents include vitamin K, viburnine, isovalerianic acid, salicin, salicosides, arbutin, sterol and resin.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes. 

Contraindications:
Pregnant women should not use Cramp Bark unless directed by a physician. Those who are allergic to aspirin may be sensitive to Cramp Bark because of its salicin content.  Cramp bark should not be taken with blood thinning medication because of the coumarin constituents in the plant and may cause you to bleed more easily.  Cramp Bark may cause hypotension in large doses or even in average doses if given to previously hypotensive individuals. The bitter principle, viburnine, may cause gastroenteritis.

Capsule Information:
Our Cramp Bark supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.