Viburnum opulus & V. prunifolium (Caprifoliaceae)

CRAMP BARK, GUELDER ROSE, EUROPEAN CRANBERRY & AMERICAN SLOE

The bark of beautiful white-flowered cramp bark, or guelder rose, has long been given by herbalists for painful periods and general cramping. American V. prunifolium is used in the same way.

Chaucer knew the medicinal benefits of this plant, which grows wild in hedgerows throughout Britain; he advised that one should "picke hem right as they grow and ete hem in". The European species (V. opulus) has similar constituents and uses to the American (V. prunifolium) and both are often combined in prescriptions. Native to Europe, North Africa and west Asia, V. opulus is a small shrub with lobed leaves and clusters of small white flowers, which appear in midsummer and are followed by bunches of red and scarlet edible berries.

PARTS USED

Bark.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Hydroquinnones, including arbutin and hydroquinnone; coumarins, including scopoletin and scopoline; tannins.

ACTIONS

Reduces muscle tension and spasm; sedative; astringent.

MEDICINAL USE

Given to relieve painful periods and general muscle cramping, particularly of the intestine. It is also useful in the treatment of threatened miscarriage.

PREPARATIONS

Decoction, tincture.