Key Definitions

Astringent – causing the contraction of skin cells and other body tissue.

Constituent - a component part of something.

Contraindications – a condition or circumstance that suggests or indicates that a particular technique or drug should not be used in the case in question.

Emmenagogue – a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow.

Hypotensive – causing low blood pressure or a lowering of blood pressure.

Indications – A symptom that suggests certain medical treatment is necessary.

Nervine – a medicine used to calm the nerves.

Woman suffering from period cramps

Introduction

If you struggle with painful menstrual cramps, then Cramp Bark may be the herbal solution for you. Cramp Bark (otherwise known as Guelder Rose and High-bush Cranberry) is helpful for problems involving tension, relaxes muscle spasms and can be used as a uterine tonic (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016) (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Cramp Bark belongs to the Caprifoliaceae plant family and is a deciduous shrub, or tree, that grows to approximately 4 m in height. Cramp Bark has lobed leaves, white flowers and red oval fruit. Cramp Bark grows in Europe and North America, and its bark is harvested in Spring and Summer (Chevallier, 2016).

Bark on a tree

Constituents, Actions & Indications

Constituents

Hydroquinones (arbutin, methylarbutin, traces of free hydroquinone); coumarins (scopoletin, scopoline); tannins (mainly catechins); proanthocyanidins; polysaccharides (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Actions

Anti-abortive; antispasmodic; sedative; astringent; relaxant; anti-inflammatory; nervine; hypotensive; emmenagogue (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Indications

Back pain; breathing difficulties; cramp and muscle spasms; period pain; poor circulation to the hands and feet; spastic constipation; stomach spasm; protection against miscarriage (Chevallier, 2016) (Hoffmann, 2003).

Beakers with a Plant in the Background

Scientific Research

Scientific research into Cramp Bark is still ongoing and to date, minimal studies have been conducted into the active constituents contained in Cramp Bark (Chevallier, 2016). Journal articles by Goel & Maurya, 2019 and Kajszczak, et al., 2020 looked at available information on the biological effects of Cramp Bark. Some of the findings presented in their papers are summarised below:

  1. Studies have shown that Cramp Bark induces a diuretic effect on the human body.
  2. Although no trials are evaluating Cramp Bark’s efficacy in decreasing the pain associated with uterine contractions, a recent study showed that Cramp Bark could potentially decrease inflammatory response in endometriosis.
  3. Studies have shown that Cramp Bark can reduce the formation of ureteral stones and pain associated with contractions of the uterus.
  4. Cramp Bark has been shown to relieve uterine and abdominal cramps.
Aether Apothecary Hormone tincture

Preparations & Dosage

Standard Decoction – for period pain, take 75-120 mL every three hours or three times a day (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Tincture – for the treatment of long-term muscular tension or irritable bowel syndrome, take 1-8 mL one to four times a day of a 1:5 ratio tincture (containing dried bark and 50% alcohol) (Easley & Horne, 2016) (Chevallier, 2016).

Lotion – rub into your neck and shoulders to relieve aching muscles (Chevallier, 2016).

Shop our Cramp Bark-infused Hormone Balancing Tincture here.

Lady using a tincture

Cramp Bark Tincture for Muscle Aches, Cramps & Spasms Recipe

The dried bark of Cramp Bark is predominantly used in preparations. The following recipe was taken from My Healthy Homemade Life and is perfect for those suffering from muscle aches, cramps and spasms (Prentice, 2022).

Ingredients

  • 1-part dried Cramp Bark
  • 1-part dried Valerian Root
  • ¾ part dried Chamomile flowers
  • 40%-50% vodka or apple cider vinegar or food-grade vegetable glycerin

Instructions

  1. Fill a jar ½ to ¾ of the way full of your dried herbs.
  2. Pour enough vodka (or apple cider vinegar or glycerin) over the herbs, to fully cover the herbs and fill the jar.
  3. Seal your jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  4. After four to six weeks strain the herbs from the liquid.
  5. Fill a tincture bottle for daily use or a spray bottle for use as a muscle rub. Pour the remaining tincture into a clean glass amber jar and store it in a cool, dark place.
The word Safety highlighted in Green

Safety Considerations

Avoid using Cramp Bark if you suffer from low blood pressure (Easley & Horne, 2016). Cramp Bark can be used during pregnancy and is often used to prevent miscarriage and premature labour during the third trimester (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Contraindications

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Drug Interactions

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Adverse Events

None known (Gardner & McGuffin, 2013).

Disclaimer spelled out wusing Scrabble Tiles

Disclaimer

The information presented in this post is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not to substitute for, professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

References

  1. Chevallier, A., 2016. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. New York: DK Publishing.
  2. Easley, T. & Horne, S., 2016. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide. California: North Atlantic Books.
  3. Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M., 2013. Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  4. Goel, B. & Maurya, N., 2019. Overview on: herbs use in treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Advances in Zoology and Botany, Volume 7, pp. 47-52.
  5. Hoffmann, D., 2003. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. 1st ed. Vermont: Healing Arts Press.
  6. Kajszczak, D., Zakłos-Szyda, M. & Podsędek, A., 2020. Viburnum opulus L.—A review of phytochemistry and biological effects. Nutrients, 12(11), p. 3398.
  7. Prentice, J., 2022. Cramp Bark Tincture for Muscle Aches, Cramps & Spasms. [Online]
    Available at: https://www.myhealthyhomemadelife.com/cramp-bark-tincture-muscle-aches-cramps/#recipe
    [Accessed 26 August 2024].
Cramp Bark Infographic
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