Cramp Bark

Guelder Rose; Highbush Cranberry; Snowball Bush; Viburnum opulus

... As its name indicates, cramp bark is most used to relieve cramps, including menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps. Although cramp bark contains small amounts of several different types of compounds, a chemical known as viopudial is believed to provide cramp bark with its cramp-relieving effects. Viopudial is thought to relax muscles by partially blocking an enzyme involved with causing muscle spasms. It may also have direct effects on muscle tissue – particularly the muscles in the uterus. However, very little human research has been conducted to prove or disprove cramp bark’s purported effects. ...

?Viburnum opulus Flowers and fruit of Viburnum opulus Scientific cla ...