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Black Haw Viburnum, Viburnum
rufidolum
Although I have not written about this
herb before, I have had this small tree/large shrub growing in
my garden for many years.
Black Haw Viburnum,
Viburnum rufidolum, commonly known as Cramp Bark, is the
herb for us in Central Texas to use as an anti-spasmodic and
muscle relaxer, especially for
dysmenorrhea, particularly painful
menstrual cramps before and during menstruation.
This
herb is also an effective uterine tonic and can be helpful in
dealing with threatened miscarriage.
The more commonly used Cramp Bark has
been Viburnum prunifolium
and Viburnum opulus
(see my Herbal Information Index:
http://www.ezherbs.net/info%20links.htm).
However, our local Cramp Bark,
our lovely Black Haw Viburnum, can be useful in the same ways.
This small tree is not only of
medicinal value in the garden, but is also a lovely landscaping
plant.
It is perennial, it is hardy
and drought resistant, needing very little water, it produces
gorgeous white blossoms in the early spring, and interesting
blue berries in the late summer and performs a showy array of
fall color in the autumn.
The branches of Black Haw are
harvested and brewed as a decoction.
You need to simmer the branches
for at least 45 minutes to extract the beneficial properties of
the herb.
I think it is preferable to
take the herb as a tincture which is now available at EZ Herbs
made fresh from my own trees:
EZ
Cramp Bark
A must for young women of
child-bearing years, who experience periodic cramping during
their moon time.
Although Cramp Bark is typically known as a reproductive system
herb, it can also be used for intestinal cramping, spasms and
leg cramps.
A beautiful small tree, a valuable medicinal herb and a
TEXAS NATIVE!!!
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