Cramp Bark

Name: Cramp Bark

Other Names: Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus, snowball tree, king's crown, high cranberry, rose elder, water elder, May rose, Whitsun rose, dog rowan tree, Whitsun bosses, silver bells, gaiter berries

Description: Scientific Name: Cramp Bark
Other Names: Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus, snowball tree, king's crown, high cranberry, rose elder, water elder, Whitsun rose, May rose, dog rowan tree, Whitsun bosses, silver bells, and gaiter berries.

Originating in North America, Cramp Bark was used by native people as a diuretic and a sedative. Cramp Bark plants grow as bushy trees that may reach as much as 12 feet in height. Occasionally, Cramp Bark is planted as hedges due to its ornamental flowers and foliage.
Cramp Bark 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. Snowball bush is a name often given to Viburnum opulus for its white clusters of flowers that appear in spring. It is naturalised in North America .The fruit is edible in small quantities, with a very acidic taste; it can be used to make jelly. The dried bark is used in a tincture, known as "Cramp Bark," to alleviate painful menstrual cramps.This herb is mainly used for treating feminine problems like menstrual cramps, postpartum discomfort, preventing miscarriages and internal hemorrhages and is used as a uterine sedative also.