MEDICINAL USES:
The
bark is an antispasmodic, a nervine, sedative, tonic, astringent and diuretic.
Cramp Bark’s primary use, as the name suggests, is to give relief from
cramps of all kinds, from asthma to periods to pregnancy. Some herbalists claim
that it can prevent cramps in pregnancy entirely, if used daily for the last 2
or 3 months of gestation.
Cramp
Bark will relax the ovaries and uterus, and so relieve painful cramps associated
with menstruation (dysmenorrhea). The same sedative and antispasmodic action can
be useful in preventing miscarriage, especially when highly-strung nerves are
part of the problem. Its astringent
action gives it a role in the treatment of excessive blood loss during
menstruation and especially bleeding associated with menopause. It is a highly esteemed as a tonic to the female reproductive
system in general.
King's
Dispensatory describes it as a "powerful antispasmodic", recommending
it use in cramps, spasms, asthma, hysteria, cramps of the limbs, convulsions and
threatened miscarriage during pregnancy, hysteria, dysmenorrhea, spasmodic
contraction of the bladder, spasmodic stricture. The authors recommend the use
of V. opulus for: cramps; uterine pain, with spasmodic action; pain in
thighs and back; bearing down, expulsive pains; neuralgic or spasmodic
dysmenorrhea and as an anti-abortive. The
tincture makes a good liniment to use in relieving cramps.
Cramp
bark can help to relieve intestinal cramps and can be effective as well for
other types of muscle cramps such as back spasms.
It can help in cases of orchitis and fallopian endometriosis pain and has
been used as part of a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Nervous
conditions of all kinds often respond well to Cramp Bark because of its sedative
and antispasmodic properties. It
combines well with valerian to ease general tension.
The dosage for tea is 2 tsp per cup, simmered for 10-15 minutes.
Of the tincture, take 30 to 60 drops
(1/2 to 1 tsp).
Cramp
Bark may also be used both internally externally to relax tense muscles