The Health Benefits of Cramp Bark (Viburnum)

Cramp bark comes from an ornamental plant (Viburnum opulus) long used in 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. The bark of viburnum was used medicinally to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions such as swollen glands, fluid retention, mumps, and eye disorders.

Today, an extract made from the bark and roots of the plant is used by some to treat different types of cramps and a variety of other conditions ranging from cancer to kidney stone prevention. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if cramp bark provides any medical or health benefit.

Research has shown that viburnum bark contains several compounds found to enhance health, including ellagic acid, a chemical with antioxidant benefits. The berries of the viburnum plant also contain a number of antioxidants, including vitamin C.

In alternative medicine, viburnum bark is touted as a natural remedy for the following health problems:

• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• High blood pressure
• Inflammation 
• Low back pain 
• Menopausal symptoms 
• Menstrual cramps
• Restless legs syndrome
• Tension headaches 

In addition, viburnum bark is said to reduce fluid retention and improve eye health. There is a lack of scientific research to support these uses. Research involving cramp bark has been limited so far and has focused on a few conditions.

In studies conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, scientists found that certain compounds present in viburnum bark may help suppress muscle spasms and reduce muscle tension. Although viburnum bark is commonly used for conditions involving muscle spasms and muscle tension (such as menstrual cramps and low back pain), there is a lack of recent research on viburnum bark's effectiveness against such conditions.

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. However, there has only been one study that has investigated this benefit. More rigorous studies are needed to see if cramp bark is effective.

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. However, studies on humans have not been performed so it is unclear if ulcer patients would benefit.

There's limited evidence that the fruit of the viburnum plant may help prevent certain types of cancer. For example, a preliminary study published in Toxicology and Industrial Health in 2012 found that the juice of viburnum fruit may help fight colon cancer.

For the study, scientists induced colon tumors in mice by injecting the animals with a carcinogen called DMH. Compared to a DMH-injected control group given only water, DMH-injected animals fed viburnum juice had a significantly lower rate of colon cancer. Although the study's authors concluded that viburnum juice "may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage," more research is needed before viburnum can be recommended for colon cancer prevention.

There is currently a lack of clinical trials testing viburnum's safety or health effects, so it's unknown whether viburnum supplements are safe for long-term use. However, there's 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.

The safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established.

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend viburnum as a treatment for any condition. 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 it for any health purpose, make sure to consult your healthcare provider first.

Viburnum is sold in supplement form in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores 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.

If you buy cramp bark, you may see that the supplement is combined with another ingredient such as ginger. Be sure to read the label before purchasing.

However, keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may provide ingredients not listed on the label. It may also deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb.

Because dietary supplements are largely unregulated by the FDA you may want to look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International. These organizations don't guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but they do provide a certain level of testing for quality.

Most describe the taste of cramp bark as bitter. Some also say that it has a strong odor.

If you're seeking natural relief of a condition associated with muscle tension or muscle spasms, several remedies may serve as an alternative to viburnum.

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. These therapies include guided imagery, massage, acupuncture, and yoga.