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Cramp Bark |
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Cramp Bark
CRAMP BARK
Viburnum opulus
History and Folklore
Cramp bark, also known as Guelder Rose is a very decorative shrub, which is often grown in gardens for their showy white flowers and pretty leaves, which turn bright red in the autumn. The red berries persist into the winter. There are about 150 species in this genus. Viburnum opulus is called 'European Cramp Bark' to distinguish it from its close relative Viburnum opulus var. americanum. There are also a number of other closely related Viburnum species that are at home in North America and which have long served in as Native American remedies. In medicine it is usually the bark that is used, although the berries are very rich in vitamine C and have sometimes been made into a kind of medicinal jam, their taste when eaten raw is rather bitter. The tart flavour and the looks of the berries have also earned this plant the nickname of highbush cranberry, although of course it is in no way related with real cranberries. Instead, it is a distant cousin of the elder tree. In Siberia, a liquor is distilled from the berries. Upon drying the berries turn black and can be used to make ink. Native Americans have been known to smoke the bark of Viburnum and occasionally add it to their kinnikkinnik mixture.
Medicinal Uses:
Cramp bark is an excellent relaxant remedy, with anti-spasmodic action on the smooth and striated muscles. It can be used in all conditions where tension needs to be eased to give pain relieve, e.g. in crampy painful menstruation, colic and other spasmodic digestive troubles such as stomach cramps or liver and gallbladder colic. It can be used in cases of threatened miscarriage and also in excessive bleeding as a symptom of menopause. Native Americans also used Cramp bark as a diuretic and diaphoretic and employed it to reduce swollen glands as in cases of mumps. They also used the fruits and leaves to treat bladder inflammation, scurvy and diabetes. However, the berries may cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
Magical Uses:
Cramp bark is deeply relaxing. It can be used as an aid to meditation, to let go of the stress and tension of the day in order to reach higher ground and a more relaxed and detached perspective. When one is feeling all uptight and tied up in life's problems and anxieties cramp bark loosens the shackles of angst.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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