Herb
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
A relaxing herb traditionally used to ease menstrual cramping and uterine tension.
⤢📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 54/100Tap to see the breakdown
👶 Safe for children?
This remedy carries age-related cautions. Please read them before giving it to a child, and check with your pediatrician or pharmacist first.
- May interact with blood pressure or sedative medications. Do not give this tincture to an infant or young child for colic without a pediatrician's guidance — safe dosing has not been established for children, and it is alcohol-based.
🌱 What it is
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a shrub whose bark has long been used as a uterine and muscle relaxant.
📜 Where it comes from
Cramp bark, from the Viburnum opulus shrub, was used by Native American peoples and adopted by 19th-century American eclectic physicians as a relaxant for uterine muscle. It became a standard herb in traditional women's herbalism for easing menstrual cramping, often paired with its close relative black haw.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Traditional relaxant for menstrual cramps
- May ease general smooth-muscle tension
- Available as an easy-to-dose tincture
🥄 How to use it
Take a tinctureA concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol. How to make a tincture → or fluid extract of cramp bark, following label directions, 3-4 times daily during cramping.
How much: Follow product label; typical tinctureA concentrated herbal extract made with alcohol. How to make a tincture → dose is 1/2-1 teaspoon, 3-4 times daily.
Why it works: Contains compounds thought to relax smooth muscle, which may ease uterine cramping and general muscle tension.
⚠️ Cautions
- If pregnant, use only under the guidance of a qualified midwife or physician — self-treating a threatened miscarriage at home is not safe; any pregnancy bleeding needs prompt medical evaluation.
- Avoid if allergic to aspirin-related compounds (contains salicin-like constituents).
📚 Learn more
🌿 Deeper natural detail
🩺 The conventional view
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💬 Ask Remy about Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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