# Cramp bark

## Remedy Classification
- **Type:** Herbal Remedy
- **Alternative Names:** Viburnum opulus, Cramp bark
- **Miasm:** Psoric Miasm
- **Temperament:** Neutral
- **Aggravation Time:** Neutral/Anytime

## Keynote Indications
Key Actions: Antispasmodic, Astringent, Lowers blood pressure.
Parts Used: Bark.

## Modalities (Aggravations / Ameliorations)
Cautions: None known. See also pp.42–51..

## Symptoms by System

### Stomach & Abdomen
- medicinal uses Part used Bark Key actions Antispasmodic • Astringent • Lowers blood pressure muscle cramps and pains Rheumatic pain sometimes results more from locked muscles than inflammation.
- Here, cramp bark can prove particularly effective, relaxing tensed muscles and opening up the circulation to clear accumulated toxins—often a key factor in pain development.
- As well as relieving rheumatic and arthritic problems, cramp bark’s antispasmodic action makes it a worthwhile treatment for restless legs, leg cramps, and spasmodic period pains.
- Take on its own to provide symptomatic relief, or combine with anti-inflammatory remedies and circulatory stimulants, such as willow bark (Salix alba) and prickly ash (Zanthoxylum spp.), for rheumatic problems such as fibromyalgia.
- For period pains, take the remedy before pain begins.
- digestive cramps Cramp bark is effective for intestinal spasms, including irritable bowel syndrome.
- It combines well with chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) for cramps throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
- Other uses Cramp bark is often included in formulations for high blood pressure, especially where tensed muscles are a feature.
- medicinal uses Cramp bark, Guelder rose Viburnum opulus Useful in problems affecting both skeletal muscle and internal organs, cramp bark lives up to its reputation as an effective antispasmodic.
- A key remedy in Western herbal medicine, cramp bark relaxes excessive muscle tone, thereby easing tensed and cramping muscles.
- A–z o F HeRBAL Remed Ies key information safety ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ traditiOnal use ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ research ★ ★ ✩ ✩ ✩ best taKen as Decoction ✓✓✓ Tincture ✓✓ Capsule ✓ dOsage B (see pp.44–45) Often used with Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) cautiOns None known.
- See also pp.42–51.
- Found growing in hedges, thickets, and woodland, cramp bark has distinctive red berries.
- It is native to Europe and the eastern regions of North America.
- TincTureDrieD bark tincture is taken to relieve muscle tension 242