Cramp Bark Benefits for Menstrual Relief & Beyond

The AHA! Team — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:19:39 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Like wintergreen, cramp bark is another herbal remedy that naturally contains a compound called methyl salicylate, which is known to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. As its name hints, cramp bark is known for relieving cramps, including those associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It also has a long history of use in Native American herbalism, including the Penobscot tribe of Maine, who used cramp bark to naturally treat gout and swollen glands. At the same time in Wisconsin, the Meskwaki tribe was using this herbal remedy for back pain, arthritis and menstrual cramps. Overall, cramp bark is said to have antispasmodic, sedative, relaxant and astringent properties. Let’s take a closer look at this intriguing herb and its many possible health benefits. Uses and Benefits What are the benefits of cramp bark? Here are some of the top ways it has been known to improve health: 1. PMS/Menstrual Cramps Research from in vitro studies reveals that cramp bark can block the spasms of smooth muscle, so it’s not surprising that one of cramp bark’s most well-known uses as a traditional herbal remedy is for menstrual cramps that can accompany PMS. It’s known to help soothe even severe cramping that is associated with nausea, vomiting and sweaty chills. Cramp bark is traditionally prepared by placing two teaspoons of the dried bark into a cup of water, bringing it to a boil and then simmering it for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can be consumed three times per day for cramps. Another option is four to eight milliliters of tincture three times per day. 2. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a medical disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The fruits of Viburnum opulus have been used to treat gynecological disorders, including dysmenorrhea (painful periods) as well as ovarian cysts. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmocology in 2016 wanted to see if cramp bark could also improve endometriosis. In an animal model study, endometriosis was surgically induced in subjects, and then cramp bark fruit extracts were administered for four days. The subjects treated with the extracts of Viburnum opulus berries showed significant improvement in their endometriosis compared to the control group. The study concludes that the herb’s chlorogenic acid content, along with its other phenolic compounds, are likely responsible for its positive effects on endometriosis. 3. Miscarriage According to experts in the field, cramp bark has long been used as a spasmolytic (or antispasmodic) during pregnancy, particularly in miscarriage prevention. This use as an herbal remedy in pregnancy is said to go back to Native American tribes. Cramp bark is known to be a top pick by herbalists in the United Kingdom for preventing miscarriage. Several active substances in Viburnum opulus, including scopoletin and aesculetin, have been labeled as having antispasmodic effects on the uterus. Midwives sometimes choose cramp bark for a threatened miscarriage, as well as early labor, during actual labor and for after-labor cramping. While this may sound strange, herbs are known for sometimes having opposite effects on the body depending on the quantity used, when and how they are used, and whether or not an herb is used alone or in combination with other herbs. 4. Muscle Relaxant Cramp bark has a lengthy history as a natural muscle relaxant. As mentioned earlier, it is known to help relieve menstrual cramping due to its ability to stop smooth muscle spasms. For this reason, it’s also known to help relieve muscle spasms and aches throughout the body, such as in the back or legs, whether related to PMS or physical exertion. 5. Possible Anti-Cancer Effects A study published in 2018 in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics points toward possible anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects of Viburnum opulus. Using an animal model, researchers demonstrated how extracts from gilaburu juice (juice made from the berries of the cramp bark plant) displayed in vivo antitumoral activity. Another study published in 2013 used an animal model to evaluate possible positive effects on colon cancer in particular. Overall, researchers found that the groups of animal subjects with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer that were treated with gilaburu juice for 30 weeks experienced a reduction in mean total number of tumor lesions. The researchers concluded that “gilaburu juice may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage.” 6. Kidney Health It appears cramp bark is effective in preventing kidney stones and can benefit overall kidney health. It’s believed its citrate content is partly responsible for this effect. In fact, one study reported, “Because V. opulus contains citrate as high as lemon juice does and it is a potassium-rich and calciumand sodium-poor fluid, it can be an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment in mild-to-moderate degree hypocitraturic stone patients.” Meanwhile, another study published in 2019 revealed that “V. opulus is an herbal treatment alternative that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones

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Cramp Bark Benefits for Menstrual Relief & Beyond