Witnessed by: Western
Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium), of the Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae) family. Large shrub or small tree with plum-like leaves and blue-black fruit; native range: dry woods and thickets of eastern and central North America. Globally recognized as stagbush; sweet haw; American sloe; nannyberry in English. The part used is root bark and stem bark. Reddish-brown bark, bitter and astringent, with a faintly acid, valerian-tinged smell.
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.
BLACK HAW
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- black haw
- Scientific name
- Viburnum prunifolium L.
- Family
- Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)
Form
- Part used
- root bark and stem bark
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · astringent · sour
Temperature
- Western
- cool, drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- uterus · nerves · circulation
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- uterine sedative and antispasmodic, partus preparator, nervine, mild astringent, hypotensive
Cautions
Contraindications: caution in those with a history of kidney stones owing to oxalates; the uncooked berries may disturb the stomach
Toxicity: low; contains salicin-like and coumarin constituents
Interactions
- Western
- anticoagulants: coumarin and salicylate constituents may add to anticoagulant effect
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