
Herb Directory

Crampbark
Alternative Name:
Viburnum opulus
Cramp bark (Viburnum) has a fascinating history. Native to Europe, it’s now naturalized in North America. The American species (Viburnum trilobum) is also known as highbush cranberry or American cranberry bush.
Its bark, often used in traditional European herbalism, has antispasmodic properties that aid in muscle spasms and PMS-related cramps. Interestingly, neither species is a true cranberry; true cranberries belong to the Vaccinium genus.
Historically, Native American cultures utilized cramp bark for various ailments, and it was officially recognized in the U.S. Pharmacopeia in 1894.