CRAMPBARK
(Viburnum opulus)

Fruits

Flowers (left) and fruit

Part used: bark
Properties: antispasmodic, astringent, nervine
What it affects: nerves, reproductive organs and heart.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion: steep 30 min. and take 3 oz. 3-4x a day
Decoction: 1 oz. herb to 1 qt. of water. simmer in 30 min. and take 1 tbsp. 3-4x a day or as needed
Tincture:  1/2-1 tsp. 3-4x a day. A typical dosage is 30 to 60 drops an hour for acute muscle spasm. For dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), cramp bark seems to work best when taken frequently. Start with 1/2 dropperful every half hour until an effect is noted, then every one to three hours. Reduce the dosage as symptoms abate.
Fluid extract:take 1/2-2 tsp 3-4 x a day.
Powder: take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains)3-4x a day.


Purposes:
Cramp bark is specially helpful for the relief of menstrual cramps. It cam be mix with equal parts of ginger, angelica root, three parts chamomile and taken as a warm tea for all cramps and convulsions. It is also useful for any spasms of involuntary muscles, hysteria and painful or excessive uterine bleeding. It helps alleviate acute heart palpitation and rheumatism. For asthma, make a decoction of 1/2 oz. of the bark to pint of water; take 1 tbsp frequently as needed.
Note: cramp bark has properties every similar to black haw; one can generally substitute for the other.


 Warnings
Cramp bark is harmless in regular doses. Do not use if you have a sensitivity to aspirin.
It is useful for heart palpitations, cramps during pregnancy, and to prevent miscarriage. Avoid using it in third trimester of pregnancy.