Holistic Health Herbal Medicine The Health Benefits of Cramp Bark (Viburnum) By Cathy Wong facebook twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Cathy Wong Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on April 23, 2020 facebook linkedin Meredith Bull, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. Learn about our Medical Review Board Meredith Bull, ND Updated on February 24, 2021 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Health Benefits Possible Side Effects Selection, Preparation, and Storage Common Questions Cramp bark is an ornamental plant also known asViburnum opulus. An extract made from its bark and roots is used by some to treat different types of cramps and a variety of other conditions, such as ulcers and kidney stones. However, scientific evidence about such benefits is lacking. Cramp bark has a long history of being used as an herbal medicine, primarily by Native Americans. The berries of the viburnum plant were sometimes consumed as food, and other parts of the plant were smoked as an alternative to tobacco. Tnata2009 / Getty Images Also Known As Cranberry bushEuropean cranberry-bushGuelder roseHigh bush cranberryRose de gueldreSnowball bushViburno opulusCramp bark from Viburnum opulus should not be confused with black haw (Vibernum prunifolium), which is sometimes also called cramp bark. Health Benefits Research has shown that viburnum bark contains several compounds found to enhance health, including ellagic acid, a chemical with antioxidant benefits. The chemical constituents esculetin and viopudial are known to be antispasmodic. Because of this, alternative medicine practitioners use viburnum bark to treat conditions involving spasms and muscular cramping including: Low back pain Menstrual crampsRestless legs syndromeTension headachesStomach painAsthma Cramp bark is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and calming properties, so it is sometimes used to treat: General inflammationChronic painHigh blood pressure In addition, viburnum bark is said to reduce fluid retention, as it is a mild diuretic. However, there isn't a lot of scientific research to support these uses, so it is too soon to recommend viburnum as a treatment for any health concern. Research involving cramp bark has been limited so far and has focused on just a few conditions. Muscle Cramps Viburnum bark has historically been used in traditional medicine to relieve cramps, which is where it gets the common name cramp bark. In the 1960s and 1970s, a handful of research studies analyzed the chemical profiles of viburnum bark and found certain compounds present in cramp bark may help suppress muscle spasms and reduce muscle tension. In particular, cramp bark's scopoletin has antispasmodic properties that relax smooth muscle tissue. Despite its common use for conditions involving muscle spasms and muscle tension, there is a lack of more recent research on viburnum bark's effectiveness in treating such conditions. More research and human trial are needed before recommending cramp bark's use as a muscle relaxer. Kidney Stones Limited research has been conducted on the potential for cramp bark to be used as a treatment for a condition called hypocitraturia—a known risk factor for the development of kidney stones. A 2014 study evaluated cramp bark’s potential for treating mild-to-moderate degree hypocitraturic stone patients and found it has similar citrate, potassium, and calcium levels as lemon juice—an alternative treatment for the condition. While more research is needed, the study authors conclude cramp bark could be used as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of hypocitraturia. In addition to potentially preventing kidney stones, cramp bark may also be useful in helping to pass kidney stones due to its antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle of the kidney. A small human study in 2019 found cramp bark effective for facilitating the passage of kidney stones smaller than 10mm and recommended its use as an alternative herbal treatment in combination with diclofenac sodium. However, more rigorous studies are needed before recommending its use for the passage of kidney stones. Ulcers Viburnum is rich in antioxidants Vitamins C and E, carotenoids, chlorophylls, polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins that may be beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract lining and may help to prevent ulcers. A 2006 study on rats published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology determined that antioxidants found in viburnum fruit may help protect against the gastrointestinal damage associated with ulcer development. According to the study authors, the herb appears to activate mucosal defense mechanisms to help prevent damage in the stomach and intestines. However, the research is limited to laboratory studies and it is unclear if these benefits translate to humans. Possible Side Effects There is currently a lack of clinical trials testing viburnum's safety or health effects, so it's unknown whether cramp bark supplements are safe for long-term use. There is, however, some concern that taking viburnum in combination with blood pressure medication or antibiotics may have harmful effects. Additionally, it is possible that the chemicals in cramp bark that reduce muscle spasms also lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate. Cramp bark contains oxalates, which should be taken into consideration in persons with a history of oxalate stone formation (even though the herb may be useful in passing other types of kidney stones). Note, however, that there has been no documentation of this—it's simply theoretical. The safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using this remedy for any health purpose, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first. Selection, Preparation, and Storage Viburnum is sold in supplement form in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and shops specializing in dietary supplements. Additionally, viburnum supplements are widely available for purchase online. There is not enough research about cramp bark to determine a standard dose; recommendations on product labels may vary. Keep in mind that dietary supplements are largely unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not tested for safety as a matter of course. In some cases, a product may provide ingredients not listed on its label. It may also deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb it contains. Look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. Such a "stamp of approval" doesn't guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but it can reassure you that it has been evaluated for quality. It may be helpful to work with a practitioner knowledgeable in the use of herbal medicines to guide your supplement selection, along with appropriate dosing. Seek out a licensed naturopathic doctor or registered herbalist. Tips to Use Supplements Safely Common Questions What does cramp bark taste like?Most describe the taste of cramp bark as bitter. Some also say that it has a strong odor. What are some other natural remedies for pain? For help in relieving low back pain, consider the use of capsaicin cream, white willow bark, and/or devil's claw. To soothe menstrual cramps, remedies like raspberry leaf tea and ginger may be beneficial. In addition, many mind-body therapies may help curb chronic pain. Examples include guided imagery, massage, acupuncture, and yoga. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Dietz BM, Hajirahimkhan A, Dunlap TL, Bolton JL. Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health. Pharmacol Rev. 2016;68(4):1026-1073. doi:10.1124/pr.115.010843 Tuglu D, Yılmaz E, Yuvanc E, et al. Viburnum opulus: could it be a new alternative, such as lemon juice, to pharmacological therapy in hypocitraturic stone patients? Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2014;86(4):297-9. doi:10.4081/aiua.2014.4.297 Kızılay F, Ülker V, Çelik O, Özdemir T, Çakmak Ö, Can E, Nazlı O. The evaluation of the effectiveness of Gilaburu (Viburnum opulus L.) extract in the medical expulsive treatment of distal ureteral stones. Turk J Urol. 2019;45(Supp. 1):S63-S69. doi:10.5152/tud.2019.23463 Kajszczak D, Zakłos-Szyda M, Podsędek A. Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3398. doi:10.3390/nu12113398 Zayachkivska OS, Gzhegotsky MR, Terletska OI, Lutsyk DA, Yaschenko AM, Dzhura OR. Influence of Viburnum opulus proanthocyanidins on stress-induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2006;57(5):155–67. Additional Reading Altun ML, Citoğlu GS, Yilmaz BS, Coban T. Antioxidant properties of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana growing in Turkey. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2008;59(3):175–80. doi:10.1080/09637480701381648 Jarboe CH, Zirvi KA, Nicholson JA, Schmidt CM. Scopoletin, an antispasmodic component of Viburnum opulus and prunifolium. J Med Chem. 1967;10(3):488–9. doi:10.1021/jm00315a045 Kraujalytė V, Venskutonis PR, Pukalskas A, Cesonienė L, Daubaras R. Antioxidant properties and polyphenolic compositions of fruits from different European cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L.) genotypes. Food Chem. 2013;141(4):3695–702. Nicholson JA, Darby TD, Jarboe CH. Viopudial, a hypotensive and smooth muscle antispasmodic from Viburnum opulus. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1972;140(2):457–61. doi:10.3181/00379727-140-36479 Rop O, Reznicek V, Valsikova M, Jurikova T, Mlcek J, Kramarova D. Antioxidant properties of European cranberrybush fruit (Viburnum opulus var. edule). Molecules. 2010;15(6):4467–77. doi:10.3390/molecules15064467 Turek S, Cisowski W. Free and chemically bonded phenolic acids in barks of Viburnum opulus L. and Sambucus nigra L. Acta Pol Pharm. 2007;64(4):377–83. Ulger H, Ertekin T, Karaca O, et al. Influence of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer. 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