Viburnum opulus

Cramp Bark, Guelder Rose

Adoxaceae

Native to Europe and North America. Found in damp woods, hedgerows, and stream banks. Often grown as an ornamental shrub.

Deciduous shrub with trilobed leaves, white lace-like flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young. The medicinal part is the inner bark of the branches.

Primarily valued for its powerful antispasmodic and relaxant actions on smooth muscle, especially in the uterus, bladder, and gastrointestinal system. It is traditionally used to relieve dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), uterine cramps, and ovarian pain. The bark is considered a “cramp bark” because of its long-standing reputation for loosening uterine tension, helping threatened miscarriage (by reducing uterine spasm), and regulating uterine smooth muscle tone. It also helps with other types of muscle cramps and spasms (e.g. intestinal colic, bladder spasms), often relaxing the nervous-muscular tension associated with these conditions. Beyond the smooth muscle effects, Viburnum opulus exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild analgesic properties, so it helps reduce inflammation and pain that accompany cramping and spasms. The fruit and bark have also been used in folk use for respiratory conditions like cough, kidney issues (stones), and for vascular issues such as palpitations, angina or hypertension (via vascular relaxation), though these uses are less well established.

Cooling, relaxing, astringent. Brings relief to gripping pain, especially in the uterus, gut, or lower back.

Inner bark (dried)

Coumarins (scopoletin), viburnin, tannins, salicylates, resins

Cramp Bark is invaluable in uterine formulas. Used most often for menstrual pain, but it’s also excellent for muscle tightness, tension headaches, or post-exercise soreness. It combines well with black cohosh, valerian, or ginger. Strong but smooth energy — like a gentle letting go.

• Bark is collected in spring or fall from young branches. Peel and dry carefully.

Avoid in people allergic to salicylates. Use caution in pregnancy (unless with trained supervision).