Viburnum prunifolium

Viburnum prunifolium                           Common name: Black Haw

Family: Caprifolicaceae

Part Used:  Dried cortex (bark)

Constituents: Flavonoids, coumarins (scopoletin), iridoid glycosides, triterpenes, phenolic acid (salicin, chlorogenic acid), tannins, oleanolic & ursolic acid

Actions:  Antispasmodic (especially uterine & bronchial), sedative, astringent, anti-asthmatic, hypotensive, bitter, uterine tonic,  diuretic

Medicinal use:  Is primarily an antispasmodic and is a balancer if hypo/hypertensive states. It has a specific use during threatened miscarriage especially with hypertension. It has great use for uterine inflammations/irritations and generally as a uterine tonic. Can be used for muscle & leg cramps and lumbar pain both topically and internally.

Pharmacology:

Pharmacy: Decoction: 1 tbsp/cup water, 1-2 cups TID. Tincture: (1:5; 60%), 5-10 ml TID. Powder: 2-5 g TID. Externally as a rub or ointment.

Toxicity: No adverse effects expected with recommended dosages.

Contraindications: With kidney stone due to presence of oxalates in the dried bark, however oxalates are insoluble in water.

Interactions: Avoid in aspirin sensitivity. Theoretically interaction with anticoagulants