- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa and northern Asia; a related variety in North America. Viburnum opulus
Europe · Herb · № 104
Viburnum opulus en V. prunifolium
Herb · Europe
Guelder rose
Viburnum opulus en V. prunifolium
The bark is traditionally used for muscle cramps and period pain; its English name is cramp bark. Clinical evidence is lacking.
Safety notes
Raw berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea; eat only cooked. Have period pain that disrupts daily life checked.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Raw berries upset the stomach. Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
The bark as decoction or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Ody describes its use by Native North American peoples, which was adopted by American herbalists in the 19th century. In Ukraine the berry (kalyna) is a national symbol.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antispasmodic, calming, astringent, muscle-relaxing, strengthens the heart, relaxes the uterus, anti-inflammatory.
Preparation and amount
Black haw tincture 20–30 drops frequently or a single 20 ml for menstrual cramps and pain after childbirth; also for menopausal complaints and high blood pressure; Guelder rose tincture as a relaxant for nervous or muscular tension, intestinal, biliary and urinary colic, irritable bowel.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For bad blood and fever, as a laxative and to bring away the afterbirth.
Preparation and amount
Scrape the bark of American highbush cranberry upwards and steep it briefly.
Caution: Raw berries upset the stomach. Not in pregnancy.