Guelder rose (viburnum opulus)
Synopsis of guelder rose
Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), also known as cramp bark, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and North America. The bark of the shrub, especially from young branches, is used medicinally and is rich in valeric acid, coumarins, tannins, salicin (a natural pain reliever), and flavonoids. It is best known in herbal medicine for its antispasmodic, astringent, sedative, and uterine relaxant effects.
Cramp bark (guelder rose) is most commonly used to relieve muscular tension and cramping, particularly in the uterus, digestive tract, and skeletal muscles. It is a key herb for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), uterine spasms, and PMS, and is often included in formulas for women’s reproductive health. It is also helpful in relieving back pain, leg cramps, restless legs, and tension-related gastrointestinal spasms. Because of its astringent and mildly sedative properties, it can also support nervous tension, insomnia, and digestive upset linked to stress.
Cramp bark is usually taken as a tincture, decoction (tea), or capsule, often during the days leading up to and during menstruation. It is also sometimes used topically for muscle soreness or cramps.
Historical Use
Viburnum opulus has been used for centuries in European folk medicine. Its name, “cramp bark,” comes from its traditional use for relieving uterine and muscular cramps, and it was a staple in midwifery and women’s medicine. Herbalists would prepare teas or tinctures from the bark to ease childbirth, soothe painful menstruation, prevent miscarriage, and calm irritable uterine conditions.
Native American tribes also used related species of Viburnum, such as Viburnum prunifolium (black haw), for similar purposes—including labor preparation, miscarriage prevention, and relief of muscle cramps and spasms. Early European settlers adopted these uses and included the herb in materia medica texts for gynecological and muscular complaints.
Cramp bark was also used as a general anti-spasmodic for coughing, asthma, or colicky pain, and sometimes administered in convalescent care to ease nervous tension and muscle restlessness.
Today, guelder rose (cramp bark) is a respected herbal remedy for muscular and menstrual cramping, bridging traditional women’s medicine with modern integrative approaches to pain relief, muscle relaxation, and nervous system support.
Guelder rose is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
Varicose Veins (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
guelder rose is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Uterus (Traditional)
