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Friday, July 20, 2012

Crampbark

(Viburnum opulus) Part used: Bark. Properties: Antispasmodic, astringent, nervine. What it affects: Nerves, heart and reproductive organs.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: Steep 30 min. Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Decoction: 1 oz. herb to 1 qt. water. Simmer 30 min. Take 1 Tbsp. 3-4 times daily or as needed. Tincture: 1/2 - 1 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 1/2 – 2 tsp. 3-4 times daily. Powder: Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily.

Purposes: Cramp bark is especially helpful for the relief of menstrual cramps. It can be combined with equal parts of ginger, angelica root, three parts chamomile and taken as a warm tea for all cramps and convulsions. It is also useful for any spasms of involuntary muscles, hysteria, and painful or excessive uterine bleeding. It helps alleviate acute heart palpitation and rheumatism. For asthma, make a decoction of 1/2 oz. of the bark to a pint of water; take 1 Tbsp. frequently as needed.

Note: Cramp bark has properties very similar to black haw; one can generally substitute for the other.

Warning: It is useful for heart palpitations, cramps during pregnancy, and to prevent miscarriage. Avoid using it in the third trimester of pregnancy.

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