Family Name: Caprifoliaceae
Botanical Name(s): Viburnum opulus
Popular Name(s): Snowball Tree, King's Crown, High Cranberry,
Red Elder, Rose Elder, Water Elder, May Rose, Silver Bells, Gaitre
Berries, Black Haw, Guelder Rose
Parts Used: Bark
Habitat: Cramp Bark is found in Europe and America.
Description: Cramp Bark is a deciduous shrub growing up to 4-5 m
in height. Its leaves are opposite, three-lobed and are 5-10 cm in
length. Its white flowers are produced at the top of its stems in
corymbs of 4-11 cm in diameter. Each corymb possesses a ring of outer
sterile flowers which are 1.5 - 2 cm in diameter. The outer ring
surrounds a center of small, fertile flowers. Its fruits are in the form
of globose bright red drupes, 7-10 mm in diameter and contain single
seeds.
Uses: Cramp Bark is used as anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory,
nervine, astringent and emmenagogue. It relaxes the uterus and relieves
the painful cramps associated with periods. Its astringent action
prevents excessive blood loss in periods.
