The bark of Viburnum Opulus

Specific Indications. - Cramps; spasmodic uterine pain; pain in thighs and back; bearing-down, expulsive pain; neuralgic or spasmodic dysmenorrhea.

Action and Therapy. - Like black haw, this species of Viburnum is a uterine sedative and tonic and may be used where there is a predisposition to abortion, or as a partus praeparator. It is believed to have stronger antispasmodic properties than the black haw, and the special indication is cramps or cramp-like contraction of the hollow viscera, as well as of the voluntary musculature. It allays uterine irritation with a tendency to excite hysteria, and for spasmodic dysmenorrhea it is highly regarded by competent practitioners. Briefly, the therapeutic scope of the drug covers cramps, especially of the calf of the leg, spasmodic uterine pain, bearingdown or expulsive pain, difficult, spasmodic or neuralgic dysmenorrhea, spasmodic contraction of the bladder, hysteria, and some mild forms of convulsions.

The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. (1922)

Cultivation and uses

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its flowers and berries, growing best on moist, moderately alkaline soils, though tolerating most soil types well. Several cultivars have been selected, including 'Roseum' (synonym 'Sterile', 'Snowball'), in which all the flowers are only of the larger sterile type, with globular flower heads. There is some confusion, as there are a few other bushes, including other members of the Viburnum genus, also referred to as "snowball bush".

The shrub is also cultivated as a component of hedgerows, cover plantings, and as part of other naturalistic plantings in its native regions.

It is naturalised in North America, where it has been misleadingly re-named as "European Cranberrybush" (it is not a cranberry).

The fruit is edible in small quantities, with a very acidic taste; it can be used to make jelly. It is however very mildly toxic, and may cause vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts. This can be reduced by drying the bark first.

The dried bark is used in a tincture, known as "Cramp Bark," to alleviate painful menstrual cramps.

This herb is often used for treating feminine problems like menstrual cramps, postpartum discomfort, preventing miscarriages and internal hemorrhages and is used as a uterine sedative also. Additionally, it has a reputation for lowering diastolic blood pressure because of a reputed action on smooth muscle, and is both a smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant and antispasmodic.