AKA: Guelder Rose Parts Used: Bark Active Compounds: Hydroquinones, tannins, resin, coumarins
Background: Cramp bark is native to North America and Europe. It has been used by American Indians as a remedy for thousands of years. In Penobscot, cramp bark was used to treat mumps and other problems with swollen glands. The Meskwaki people took this remedy for pain and cramping.
Cramp bark is known for being a muscle relaxer. It can be taken topically or internally to relieve all types of muscle tension. It also relieves some intestinal problems, arthritis, and high blood pressure.
Applications:Antispasmodic/Sedative
Cramp Bark is most commonly used to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Muscle Tension: Cramp bark is effective with relief to muscles of the airways, uterus, intestines, and the skeletal muscles of the back and the limbs.
Blood Pressure: Cramp bark can relieve high blood pressure and is also used to treat other problems with the circulatory system.
Joint pain: Cramp bark can be used to alleviate pain from arthritis that is related to muscle tension. Often arthritic pain is a result of muscles being pulled too tightly. Cramp bark helps lactic acid to be removed from muscle tissue, allowing the cramp to end and pain to go with it.
Description: Cramp bark comes from a shrub or tree that grows as high as 14 feet. It has lobed leaves with red fruits born from white flowers. It is found in Europe and North America. Bark can be collected from the branches in the spring and summer for use.
Cramp Bark Dosage: A decoction can be taken for menstrual pain. 1/2 cup every 3 hours is recommended.
1/2 tsp tincture diluted with hot water may be taken twice a day for irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic muscle tension.
Cramp bark lotion may also be used externally to relieve tense, sore muscles.
Safety: There is no negative safety information available regrading Cramp Bark. Consult your health care provider before beginning use of any herb.
For educational purposes only This Cramp Bark information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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