CRAMP BARK (Viburnum opulus)

CRAMP BARK (Viburnum opulus)


Cramp bark has a highly deserved reputation as a relaxer of muscular
tension and muscle spasm. It has two main areas of use. Firstly in
muscular cramps and secondly in ovarian and uterine muscle problems.
Cramp Bark will relax the uterus and so relieve painful cramps
associated with
periods (dysmenorrhoea). In a similar way it may be used to protect
from threatened miscarriage by preventing cramps (contractions).


Cramp Bark is native to North America and has long been used by Native
Americans for its ability to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle
spasms. Traditionally, the bark was removed and boiled into a tea and
drunk to relieve cramps.


Now here is some interesting information:
Cramp Bark should be avoided during pregnancy, but ....... at the same
time, it has been used successfully by millions of women in cases of
threatened miscarriage. Women with a history of miscarriage should use
it prophylactically.


I don't know what to make of those two conflicting pieces of advice.
I guess if there is a chance that you are going to lose the baby
anyway, there might be less of a risk. I don't know. I use myself as
a guinea pig whenever possible. But I have no personal input or
testimony regarding it's use during pregnancy. But I am interested in
it's use for muscle spasms.


I wish there was more I could say, but it is pretty straightforward
what a person might use this herb for.

But..... of course... IT'S YOUR HEALTH. Why take my word for it?

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com ...etc. Enter one or more keywords and do your
own research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

Until next time,
Quinnten, Editor