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Black Haw Viburnum, Viburnum rufidolum

black haw viburnum

Although I have not written about this herb before, I have had this small tree/large shrub growing in my garden for many years.  Black Haw Viburnum, Viburnum rufidolum, commonly known as Cramp Bark, is the herb for us in Central Texas to use as an anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxer, especially for dysmenorrhea, particularly painful menstrual cramps before and during menstruation.  This herb is also an effective uterine tonic and can be helpful in dealing with threatened miscarriage.

The more commonly used Cramp Bark has been Viburnum prunifolium and Viburnum opulus (see my Herbal Information Index: http://www.ezherbs.net/info%20links.htm).  However, our local Cramp Bark, our lovely Black Haw Viburnum, can be useful in the same ways.

This small tree is not only of medicinal value in the garden, but is also a lovely landscaping plant.  It is perennial, it is hardy and drought resistant, needing very little water, it produces gorgeous white blossoms in the early spring, and interesting blue berries in the late summer and performs a showy array of fall color in the autumn. 

The branches of Black Haw are harvested and brewed as a decoction.  You need to simmer the branches for at least 45 minutes to extract the beneficial properties of the herb.  I think it is preferable to take the herb as a tincture which is now available at EZ Herbs made fresh from my own trees:  EZ Cramp Bark  A must for young women of child-bearing years, who experience periodic cramping during their moon time.

Although Cramp Bark is typically known as a reproductive system herb, it can also be used for intestinal cramping, spasms and leg cramps.

A beautiful small tree, a valuable medicinal herb and a TEXAS NATIVE!!!

 


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