Viburnum opulus (Crampbark), Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Part Used: Dried bark cortex, Bill Mitchell, ND also says berries and seeds of V. opulus

Active Constituents:

Bitter compounds, coumarins, glycoside (viburnin), resin, salicosides (Salicin), tannin, valerianic acid

Medicinal Actions:

Anti-spasmodic, astringent, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, spasmolytic, tonic

Medicinal Uses:

Viburnum is a smooth muscle relaxer especially indicated for use in bronchi, uterus, and blood vessels and is used to treat asthma, dysmenorrhea and hypertension. It has also been widely used to reduce spasm in skeletal muscle. It has a tonic effect on the feedback between parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, restoring normal balance. It is often used to treat palpitations in the heart.

The historical use of these plants states that V. opulus is more indicated for diffuse anti-spasmodic action and is used for uterine cramping when there is a stress tension present in the entire body. V. prunifolium is said to be more specific to uterine relaxation. In my experience and that of many of my colleagues, we have never seen a difference in action between the two botanicals.

Because Viburnum combines the astringent properties obtained through the tannins and the muscle relaxing properties it is indicated for restoration of normal function of the uterus and ovaries. It is used to treat mittelschmerz, dysmenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and even infertility. It is helpful for restoring normal menstrual flow, whether light or heavy. When treating dysmenorrhea, start prescribing a few days before onset of menses and take it throughout menses and even for a few days after flow ceases. I usually give 2.5 ml of a 1:3 or 1:5 extract every half-hour up to a maximum of 30 ml a day. I also may include this herb in tonifying formulas for restoring normal function to the system.

Dr. Lise Alschuler uses it to reduce the post-partum pains due to uterine contraction. She gives a combination of Viburnum 3:Lobelia 1 at a dose of 30-60 drops every 1 ½ hours up to five times during the first 24 hours. If taken during the first 24 hours, it does not pass into breast milk. This formula is for a 1:5 strength tincture, so reduce dose if using fluid extracts.

Toxicity:

The patient may experience dizziness and vomiting if too much tincture is taken in too short a period of time. They may have a feeling of a “hangover” the next day. This is a fairly non-toxic herb.

Pharmacy:

Decoction: 1 Tbl/cup H2O QD to BID

Tincture (1:5): Chronic – 10 – 40 drops TID

Acute – 2.5 – 8 ml up to 10 times a day

Tincture (1:1) Chronic – 5 – 20 drops TID

Acute - 1.0 ml up to ten times a day

Powder: 2 – 4 grams TID

Externally as rub, ointment or in oil or as decoction in bath