26/02/2026
Herb of the Week: Cramp Bark
Cramp bark, as the name suggests, is traditionally used for muscle spasm or cramping (1). It has strong traditional use for relieving period pain, but has also had traditional use more widely for stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome, pain and spasm from gall stones, nervous tension and other conditions where muscle tension and spasm are a major cause of discomfort (2).
Cramp bark, also known as Guelder-rose, is a beautiful native shrub in Europe where it is common in hedgerows and woodlands. It is also found in Northern United States, Canada North Africa and Central Asia. It has white, lacy like flowers and red berries.
Research has found it has relaxant properties for uterine muscle (3. 4). Much of this research is limited to animal or laboratory studies. Its effect on people is based in strong traditional use (1,2).
On an emotional level cramp bark can help to ‘let go’ by helping relive tension and allowing people to feel more ease in body, mind and spirit. According to English medical herbalist Lucy Jones cramp bark is “the master of helping us to let go”. She says that while taking this herb patients will find it easier to “let go of tension, stress, and, above all, our own rigidity.”
References
1. Felter H. The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Published 1922. http://www.swsbm.com/FelterMM/Felters.html
2. King J, Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory. Cincinnati : Ohio Valley Co.; 1905. http://archive.org/details/kingsamericandis02kinguof
3. Costello CH, Lynn EV. An Investigation of Viburnum Opulus. Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Scientific ed). 1943;32(1):20-22. doi:10.1002/jps.303032010
4. Jarboe CH, Schmidt CM, Nicholson JA, Zirvi KA. Uterine relaxant properties of Viburnum. Nature. 1966;212(5064):837. doi:10.1038/212837a0
