Black Haw
Viburnum prunifolium
Also known as Cramp Bark, American Sloe, Stagbush, and High Bush Cranberry
$2.88 per Ounce
History: The Black Haw plant is native to the U.S. and Canada and grows to the size of a small tree. The fruit of the plant can be eaten in the fall and is often used to make jam and jellies. The outer skin of the Black Haw plant is used to produce Black Haw bark, which is used extensively in American folk medicine. Historically, Native Americans, American colonists, and Europeans used Black Haw Bark for women’s issues. One of the biochemical compounds found in Black Haw is salicin, which is chemically related to the substances used in aspirin. Black Haw Bark can also be dried and ground to make tea for enjoyment.
Uses: Uterine irritability, and hyperaesthesia; threatened abortion; uterine colic; dysmenorrhoea, with deficient menses; severe lumbar and bearing-down pains; cramp-like, expulsive menstrual pain; intermittent, painful contractions of the pelvic tissues; after-pains and false pains of pregnancy; obstinate hiccough.
Active Ingredients: Bitter Principle, tannin, valerianic acid, salicosides, triterpenoids, coumarins
Actions: Antispasmodic, sedative, hypotensive, astringent, emmenagogue, nervine, tonic
Complementary Herbs: False Unicorn root, Cramp Bark, Black Haw
Warning: Individuals with a history of kidney stones should use this herb cautiously.