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Cramp Bark - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Cramp Bark, Guelder Rose , Highbush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus , Red Elder, Water Elder, May Rose, Whitsun Rose, Dog Rowan Tree, Silver Bells, Whitsun Bosses, Gaitre Berries.
Herb Description
Cramp bark ( Viburnum opulus ) is a deciduous tree that is deep-rooted to Europe and the eastern United States. It comes from family of Caprifoliaceae .As its name suggest, it has as a relaxer of muscular tension and spasm. cramp bark is most used to ebb cramps, along with menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps. Cramp Bark will relax the uterus and so ebb painful cramps associated with dysmenorrhoea disorders. It has astringent property which works effectively to treat excessive blood loss in periods and especially bleeding associated with the menopause .
Cramp bark matures in woodlands, low grounds, thickets, and hedges .Cramp Bark can reach up to 13 feet in height. It prefers moist soils and full sun. It flowers in spring and summer, are large up to 3 to 5 inches's, flat-topped clusters of white or reddish-white florets. The inner florets are tiny, complete flowers while the florets along the outer edge of the cluster are bigger and showy . The leaves are broadly triangular shaped at base, and and turn a rich purple color in the fall. The ripe red berries are high in vitamin C, but if uncooked,are poisonous. The bark has a strong smell and a bitter, astringent taste.
Cramp bark contains small amounts of numerous kinds of compounds, a chemical known as viopudial is believed to give cramp bark with its cramp easing features.It is a uterine sedative, used widely in menstrual cramps, afterbirth, and postpartum pains. It works effectively to prevent internal hemorrhaging. It is also used to treat heart palpitations.
Properties
- Anti-spasmodic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Nervine.
- Hypotensive.
- Astringent.
- Emmenagogue.
- Sedative.
- Relaxant.
- Cardiac tonic.
- Uterine relaxant.
Uses and Benefits
Cramp bark can be used in two ways Firstly it is used to cure muscular cramps and uterine muscle disorders. Secondly it may be used to treat threatened miscarriage.It play a good role as a astringent & treat the excessive blood loss in periods . It relaxes the uterus and smoothe the painful cramps associated with menstruation. It has been used with success in cramps and spasms of all types, in convulsions, fits and lockjaw, and also in irregular heart beat, heart disease and rheumatism.
It is very efficacious treatment of all types such as breathing difficulties associated with asthma ,colic , spastic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and the physical indications of nervous tension , hysteria, cramps of the limbs or other parts in females, especially in the time of pregnancy, It is thought that cramp bark is a effective for the prevention of abortion , and to make the way for the process of parturition.In some cases of migraine cramp bark works effectively.
Side Effects
Using of cramp bark during pregnancy,( when the blood pressure is low ) is not recommended.
Women who are lactating (breast-feeding) should not use cramp bark without consulting a physician.
It may cause nausea or skin rash, if use more than two cups per day for three consecutive days.
Side effects occurring from the use of cramp bark have not been shown in the medical literature. However, since some reliable scientific studies involving the use of cramp bark have been done in humans, it may have side effects that are not yet known. If the person feel unexplained side effects while using cramp bark, you should stop taking it and tell to doctor .
Dosage
- Dried bark:
2-4g or by decoction . Use three times in a day.
- Liquid extract:
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4ml. Use three times in a day.
- Tincture:
1:5 in 45% alcohol, 5-10ml. Use three times in a day.
Drug Interactions
There were no indications of any interactions between cramp bark and any other drug has been reported till yet.
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