What Is Cramp Bark?

Cramp bark is a potent muscle relaxant. It is native to England and Scotland, and naturalized to some areas of the USA and Canada. Cramp bark works well on its own and when combined with other herbs.

How to Use Cramp Bark (Common Uses)

Taken internally as a tea, decoction, powder, capsules, or extract. Cramp bark can also be prepared as an infused oil and applied externally.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Cramp Bark

Cramp bark is a potent skeletal and smooth muscle relaxant. It can help relieve muscle spasms, calm the nervous system, reduce asthmatic symptoms, dilate blood vessels, and even has astringent benefits. It has a special affinity for relaxing the uterus, bronchial membranes, and blood vessels, and it is most commonly found in formulas for those conditions. A popular ingredient in herbal formulas for PMS and cramping, it is easy to see where the name ‘cramp bark’ originated from. Although many people see cramp bark exclusively as a female health herb, cramp bark can be beneficial for a great deal of other conditions where muscle tension is present.

It has an extremely bitter taste and is often in combination with other herbs. Some other herbal formulas that may contain cramp bark include remedies designed for asthma, hypertension, acute bronchitis, and muscular rheumatism. 

Active Constituents in Cramp Bark

Viburnin, valerianic acid, coumarins, salicosides, tannins, hydroquinone glycosides.

Notable Facts About Cramp Bark

Cramp bark is often mentioned in Ukrainian songs, art, and poetry. Its associated with the birth of the universe, and often goes by the name Kalyna.