Possible help for leg cramps

   

Cramp Bark - Uses and Benefits

Alternative Names:

Cramp Bark, Guelder Rose , Highbush Cranberry,

Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus , Red Elder,

Water Elder, May Rose, Whitsun Rose, Dog Rowan

Tree, Silver Bells, Whitsun Bosses, Gaitre

Berries.

Herb Description

Cramp bark ( Viburnum opulus ) is a deciduous

tree that is deep-rooted to Europe and the

eastern United States. It comes from family of

Caprifoliaceae .As its name suggest, it has as

a relaxer of muscular tension and spasm. Cramp

bark is most used to ebb cramps, along with

menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach

cramps.

Cramp bark matures in woodlands, low grounds,

thickets, and hedges .Cramp Bark can reach up

to 13 feet in height. It prefers moist soils

and full sun. It flowers in spring and summer,

are large up to 3 to 5 inches's, flat-topped

clusters of white or reddish-white florets. The

inner florets are tiny, complete flowers while

the florets along the outer edge of the cluster

are bigger and showy . The leaves are broadly

triangular shaped at base, and and turn a rich

purple color in the fall. The ripe red berries

are high in vitamin C, but if uncooked,are

poisonous. The bark has a strong smell and a

bitter, astringent taste.

Cramp bark contains small amounts of numerous

kinds of compounds, a chemical known as

viopudial is believed to give cramp bark with

its cramp easing features.It is a uterine

sedative, used widely in menstrual cramps,

afterbirth, and postpartum pains. It works

effectively to prevent internal hemorrhaging.

It is also used to treat heart palpitations.

Properties

    * Anti-spasmodic.

    * Anti-inflammatory.

    * Nervine.

    * Hypotensive.

    * Astringent.

    * Emmenagogue.

    * Sedative.

    * Relaxant.

    * Cardiac tonic.

    * Uterine relaxant.

Uses and Benefits

Cramp bark can be used in two ways Firstly it

is used to cure muscular cramps and uterine

muscle disorders.  It has been used with

success in cramps and spasms of all types, in

convulsions, fits and lockjaw, and also in

irregular heart beat, heart disease and

rheumatism.

It is very efficacious treatment of all types

such as breathing difficulties associated with

asthma ,colic , spastic constipation, irritable

bowel syndrome, and the physical indications of

nervous tension , hysteria, cramps of the limbs

or other parts in females.

Side Effects

It may cause nausea or skin rash, if use more

than two cups per day for three consecutive

days.

Side effects occurring from the use of cramp

bark have not been shown in the medical

literature. However, since some reliable

scientific studies involving the use of cramp

bark have been done in humans, it may have side

effects that are not yet known. If the person

feel unexplained side effects while using cramp

bark, you should stop taking it and tell to

doctor .

Decoction is a method of extraction, by

boiling, of dissolved chemicals, or herbal or

plant material, which may include stems, roots,

bark and rhizomes. Decoction involves first

mashing, and then boiling in water to extract

oils, volatile organic compounds, and other

chemical substances

Dosage

Dried bark:

2-4 g or by Decoction- use three times in a

day.

Liquid extract:

1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4ml. Use three times in a

day.

Tincture:Alcohol

1:5 in 45% alcohol, 5-10ml. Use three times in

a day.

Drug Interactions

There were no indications of any interactions

between cramp bark and any other drug has been

reported till yet.