Viburnum opulus
Botanical Nomenclature | Viburnum opulus |
Common Name | Cramp Bark, European Cranberrybush, Guelder-Rose, Snowball Tree, Water Elder |
Taxonomy- Family | Caprifoliaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Viburnum opulus is a small, deciduous shrub growing from 2 to 4m, with serrated, glossy leaves, red, small fruits and small, white flowers in inflorescences. The flowering lasts from June to July and the harvesting takes place from April to May |
Region Found | Epirus (Pindos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Bark |
Active Substances | Viburnin (bitter agent), valeric, isovaleric and citric acid derivatives, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, scopoletin (coumarin), salicoside, fats, sterols |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea has anticonvulsant, sedative and astringent properties. Also, it is used against bleeding and cramps (painkiller) during menstruation, due to its anticonvulsant action on the smooth ovaries' and uterus' muscles. Finally, in homeopathy it is recommended for the treatment of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, as well as emetic and laxative. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as anticonvulsant in the form of herbal tea (2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 3 times a day) or in the form of tablets as dietary supplement. In homeopathy it is administered in the form of tincture. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1)http://www.greekflora.gr/el/flowers/1853/Viburnum-opulus 2)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-746-cramp%20bark.aspx?activeingredientid=746&activeingredientname=cramp%20bark 3)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/viburnum-opul.html 4)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/g/gueros44.html 5)http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail71.php 6)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Viburnum+opulus |