Cramp Bark #
Folk names: Guelder Rose, Snowball Tree,
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Viburnum |
| Species | opulus |
| Part(s) used | the Bark |
Astringent, Bitter, Antispasmodic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative (what these mean)
Uses
In the Ayurvedic system it is said to reduce Vatta and Kapha and increase Pitta. It is a tonic to the uterus, stimulates menstruation and is useful for menstrual cramps and uterine spasms. Because of this it relieves dysmenorrhea. It can be used to tonify the uterus if there have been previous miscarriages. It can be used bleeding in menopause. Scopoletin is antispasmodic.
Constituents
Bitter viburnin, valerianic acid, salicosides, resin, tannins. Hydrquinones: arbutin, methylarbutin, and free hydroquinone.Coumarins- scopoletin, esculetin. Trierpenes- oleanic and ursolic acid derivatives. Iridoid glycoside esters. Polyphenolics - astragalin, paeonoside, catechins.