Crampbark

Crampbark

Latin Name: Viburnum opulus
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Part used: Branch bark
Energetics: Bitter, astringent, cooling
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Safe for general use. Caution: Do not use Cramp Bark with aspirin sensitivities.

ACTIONS

  • Antispasmodic
  • Astringent
  • Nervine
  • Sedative
  • Slightly styptic
  • Peripheral vasodilator
  • Hypotensive
  • Uterine tonic
  • Nervine
  • Relaxant
  • Parturient
  • Partus preparator

Main Constituents

  • Valerianic acid
  • Bitter (viburnin)
  • Rosin
  • Tannin
  • Salicylates
  • Coumarins (scopolectin, scopolin)
  • Catechin
  • Epicatechin
  • Arbutin.

Main Uses

Antispasmodic
Circulatory: Heart cramps (angina), Arteritis, Palpitations
Nervous system: Nervous excitability
Musculo-Skeletal System: Muscular cramp, Spasmodic pains in abdomen/ womb/ ovaries/ back/ stomach/ intestines/ bladder
Endocrine: Menstrual spotting, Menorrhagia, Dysmenorrhoea
Reproductive System: Epididymitis
Ears: Earache

More About Crampbark

The inner bark of the Guelder rose was used by women of several North American tribes for menstrual cramps and to prime the uterus in readiness for labour.
It is a great relaxant to women's reproductive organs and is mainly used for spasmodic dysmenorrhoea and secondly as a restorative during pregnancy.
It is a go-to for ‘period pains’ and IBS intestinal spasms.
It helps to remove congestion and reduce inflammation; stops discharge and bleeding and promotes tissue repair.
Crampbark relaxes the tension in blood vessels with its vasodilatory action, which helps to reduce blood pressure and reduce tension headaches.
It can help in muscular cramping and spam, in cases of leg cramps, tremors and back pain.

Recipes:


Crampbark Tincture for Muscle Aches/Cramps

Equipment:

  • 1 glass jar with lid
  • Amber tincture bottle with dropper
  • 1 amber tincture bottle for storing extra tincture (no dropper)
  • 1 fine mesh strainer

Ingredients:

  • 1 part dried cramp bark
  • 1 part dried valerian root
  • 3/4 part dried chamomile flowers
  • 80-100% proof vodka or apple cider vinegar or food grade vegetable glycerin

Method:

  • Choose an appropriate size jar for the amount of tincture you will be making. You want to fill your jar 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full of the dried herbs.
  • Fill your clean glass jar 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full of the herbs.
  • Pour enough vodka (or apple cider vinegar or glycerin) over the herbs to completely cover them and fill the jar. Seal your jar with a tight fitting lid.
  • Let the herbs infuse out of direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Shake your jar often, every day if possible.
  • After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs from the liquid. Fill a small tincture bottle for daily use and a glass spray bottle (if desired for using as a muscle rub) and pour the remaining tincture in a clean glass amber jar. Label and date your tincture. Store in a cool, dark place.

References


Antioxidant/Anti-inflammatory/Antimicrobial

Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects
Many of the health-promoting properties of VO are associated with antioxidant activity, which has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies.The results of in vitro studies show the antimicrobial potential of VO, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. In cell-based studies, VO demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, osteogenic, cardio-protective, and cytoprotective properties. The applicability of VO in the treatment of urinary tract diseases, endometriosis, and some cancers has been confirmed in in vivo studies. The health benefits of VO result from the presence of bioactive components such as phenolic compounds, vitamin C, carotenoids, iridoids, and essential oils.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33167421/

Osteoblast Proliferation

Viburnum opulus L. Juice Phenolic Compounds Influence Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells
Furthermore, V. opulus was able to diminish the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 and TNFα. It decreased intracellular oxidative stress and induced DNA repair.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32664580/

Staphylococcal Infections

An In Vitro Study of the Effect of Viburnum opulus Extracts on Key Processes in the Development of Staphylococcal Infections
V. opulus extracts strongly inhibited SrtA activity and SpA expression, caused modifications of S. aureus cell membrane, limited biofilm formation by staphylococci, and were non-cytotoxic. Therefore, they have pro-health potential. Nevertheless, their usefulness as diet supplements that are beneficial for the prevention of staphylococcal infections should be confirmed in animal models in the future.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33801012/

Cellular Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

The Effect of Simulated In Vitro Digestion on Biological Activity of Viburnum opulus Fruit Juices
The data obtained indicate that the V. opulus samples achieved after in vitro digestion had an influence on cellular glucose and lipid metabolism. The bioavailable fraction of both digested juices stimulated glucose uptake and decreased lipid accumulation. Our results suggested that although the phenolic compounds of V. opulus juices undergo transformation during digestion, they are still potent antioxidant agents with biological activity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34279426/

Ureteral Stone Expulsion

The evaluation of the effectiveness of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) extract in the medical expulsive treatment of distal ureteral stones
The rate of stone expulsion was significantly higher (82% vs. 66%, p=0.026), and elapsed time to stone expulsion was significantly shorter (9±1.8 vs. 14±2.3 day, p=0.018) in the V. opulus group. The need for additional treatment (URS and ESWL) and analgesic requirement was less in the V. opulus group. V. opulus is an herbal treatment alternative that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30978165/

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