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BLACK HAW
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(Viburnum opulus)
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Other Names
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Cramp Bark, European Cranberry, Guelder Rose.
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Description
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Black Haw is a deciduous spreading shrub that grows up to 13 feet
tall. The
rusty-brown bark produces maple like leaves that turn purple in the fall. The flat heads of creamy
scented flowers bloom from May through June.
In the fall the shrub is filled with red
berries.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Astringent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Use Black Haw to relax muscle tension, spasms, muscle cramps, and tension
headaches. It
is especially good for ovarian and uterine muscle problems. It is also used to protect
against threatened miscarriage, and to slow excessive blood loss from
menstruation.
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Bark
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Cream
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Use for muscle cramps and shoulder tension.
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Tincture
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Take as a relaxant for nervous or muscular tension. Use for colicky conditions of
the intestines, gall bladder, or urinary system.
Add to digestive remedies for an irritable bowel, or combine
with butternut or rhubarb root for constipation caused by tension. Use for menstrual pain or pain
after childbirth, and menopausal symptoms.
It can also be added to remedies for high blood
pressure.
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Combinations
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For cramps combine with Prickly Ash or Wild Yam.
For uterine or ovarian problems combine with Black Hawthorn, or
Valerian.
For constipation combine with Butternut or Rhubarb root.
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Constituents
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Salicin, Volatile Oils, Tannins.
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Action
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Anti-Spasmodic, Sedative, Astringent, Nervine,
Emmenagogue.
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Food Values
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None
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Part Used
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Dried Bark.
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Collection
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Collect the branch bark in the summer and the trunk bark in the
fall. Cut
into pieces and dry thoroughly in the shade.
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Preparation
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Cream
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Mix the tincture with a standard base to make a cream.
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Decoction
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Put 2 Tsp. of dried bark into a cup of water. Bring to a boil, simmer 15
minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Tincture
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Take 4 - 8 ml. three times per day.
For menstrual pain or pain after childbirth take in either 1 ml. doses every 15
minutes or as a single 20 ml. dose.
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Growing Directions
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Black Haw grows best in rich, moist soil under full sunlight but it will tolerate
poorer soil and partial shade. Sow fresh seeds or cuttings in the spring. Make certain it has plenty of
water.
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History
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Cramp Bark is Black Haw’s true name, which sums up its medicinal value as a
muscle relaxant. The plant was known in the 14th Century when the berries were
eaten. It was
first written about in 1857, reputed to relieve menstrual pain, prevent miscarriage, and easy
deliver. It
was used by Native Americans for mumps and other swellings. A Mississippi herbalist
introduced Black Haw to the area, where it quickly became the standard treatment for gynecological
complaints. At that time it was most valued for preventing
miscarriage.
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Additional Information
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1. Salicin an ingredient in Black Haw is related to
aspirin.
2. Black Haw quiets the irritable womb allowing women that otherwise might
miscarry to carry to term.
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Cautions
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1. Only use under medical supervision in early pregnancy as there is a slight
risk. It is
okay to take the last 5 weeks to help ease delivery.
2. Do not give to children under 16 as it has aspirin like qualities that may
increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but often fatal disease.
3. Fresh berries are toxic but edible if cooked.
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Magick Information
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There is no magickal value.
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