Witnessed by: Western
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), of the Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae) family. Deciduous shrub with maple-like leaves, white flower heads and red berries; native range: hedgerows and damp woods of Europe, North Africa and northern Asia; naturalised in North America. Globally recognized as guelder rose; high cranberry; snowball tree; water elder in English. The part used is stem and branch bark. Greyish bark peeling to reveal a reddish under-layer; bitter and astringent with a faint valerian-like odour.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CRAMP BARK
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cramp bark
- Scientific name
- Viburnum opulus L.
- Family
- Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)
Form
- Part used
- stem and branch bark
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- cool, drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- uterus · nerves · circulation
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- antispasmodic, uterine relaxant, nervine, mild astringent, hypotensive
Cautions
- Contraindications
- generally well tolerated; the raw berries are purgative and mildly toxic
- Toxicity
- the bark is low in toxicity; uncooked berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
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