Cramp Bark
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
A traditional antispasmodic herb used primarily for menstrual cramps and muscle tension.
Cramp Bark, as its name suggests, has been used traditionally to relieve muscle cramps and spasms, particularly menstrual cramps. It's a close relative of Black Haw and shares similar properties. The bark contains scopoletin and other compounds that appear to relax smooth muscle tissue.
Mechanisms of Action
Antispasmodic
Relaxes smooth muscle tissue
Uterine Relaxant
May specifically relax uterine muscle
Recommended Dose
500-1000mg extract or 2-4g dried bark
Loading: Not required; use as needed
Optimal Timing
- At onset of cramps
- Can repeat every 4-6 hours
Take with food
Best Form
Tincture or capsules
Alternatives: Dried bark tea, Extract
Tincture works fastest. Tea requires longer steeping (15-20 min).
Duration
Minimum: 1 days
Optimal: 4 days
Cycling: Use as needed during menstruation; not for continuous daily use
Note: Most effective when taken at the first sign of cramps. Can be used preventively starting a day before expected menstruation.
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Cramp Relief
Reduced menstrual cramp intensity
Muscle Relaxation
General smooth muscle relaxation
Consult healthcare provider; traditionally used for threatened miscarriage
Who Should NOT Take This
- Aspirin allergy (contains salicin)
Drug Interactions
Contains salicin; may have mild antiplatelet effects — may affect platelet aggregation or vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, altering anticoagulant efficacy
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food
Warnings
- Contains salicin - caution with aspirin allergy
- Best used short-term for acute symptoms
Top studies from 11+ peer-reviewed papers
Stabnikova O et al. • Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) (2024)
“The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.”
Key Findings:
- These fruits have a great potential to be used in functional food making.
- The possibilities of using the fruits of wild-grown shrubs in the preparation of functional foods and examples of their implementation for the manufacturing of dairy, bakery and meat products are considered.© 2024.
- The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Kolosova V et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2022)
“Karelians and Russians are very disproportionally represented in the literature due to the lack of interest in the folk medicine of Russians in Karelia, in contrast to that of Karelians.”
Key Findings:
- Karelians and Russians are very disproportionally represented in the literature due to the lack of interest in the folk medicine of Russians in Karelia, in contrast to that of Karelians.
- The disparity does not allow adequate comparison, but nonetheless the available data demonstrate that the remedies shared by both ethnic groups are quite few.
- The review also contributes to research on the relationship of folk medicine and various state institutions in Russia/the Soviet Union.
Giritlioglu NI et al. • Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England) (2025)
“This observational examined the effects of Cramp Bark.”
Key Findings:
- Glioblastoma is the most common and highly invasive glial tumor, significantly reducing patient survival.
- Analyses including clonogenic cell survival, wound healing, apoptosis, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant status were continued on only U87MG cells, as human dermal fibroblasts showed a low response to nanovesicle treatment.
- Qualitative and quantitative assessments demonstrated that Viburnum opulus-derived nanovesicles effectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation and migration.
- Due to their non-toxic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties, these nanovesicles hold significant potential in glioblastoma management.© 2025.
Gülada BÖ et al. • Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024)
“Gilaburu shows both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against AA-induced colonic damage by suppressing neutrophil infiltration, regulating inflammatory mediators, inhibiting reactive species production, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis, conserving endogenous antioxidant glutathione, and ameliorating oxidative DNA damage.”
Key Findings:
- Since the current ulcerative colitis drugs display limited benefits and adverse side effects, potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic role of gilaburu can be evaluated in ulcerative colitis.
- Published in Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Goławska S et al. • Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2023)
“The present study shows the potential of naturally grown and wild V. opulus for the human.”
Key Findings:
- The dominant phenolic acids were p-coumaric and gallic acids.
- The major flavonoids found in V. opulus leaves were myricetin and kaempferol.
- Temperature and plant location affected the concentration of tested phenolic compounds.
- The present study shows the potential of naturally grown and wild V. opulus for the human.
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.