Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | August, 2011


As a decoction made from the bark of the Black Haw shrub or tree as well as the roots bark, are used to treat a variety of female complaints such as menstrual cramps, morning sickness, childbirth and menopause symptoms. An infusion is said to prevent miscarriage. Black Haw relaxes the uterus.


Black Haw

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Viburnum prunifolium)

Native to southeastern North America, Black Haw is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a short crooked trunk and stout spreading branches. Black Haw is a shrub in the northern ranges and a tree in the southern regions. Mature bark is reddish brown and rough. The branches are red, then green and finally turn reddish brown like the trunk of the plant. The leaves are oval and rounded at the stem, its edges are serrated and in the fall, it has a grooved and slightly winged red petiole. Its creamy white flowers form in flat clusters from March thru May. Clusters of bluish berries on red stems appear first, the edible berries quickly ripen to black but lack flavor.



Common Names:

Cramp Bark, American Sloe, Sheepberry, Stagbush, King’s Crown, Snowball Tree, Sweet Haw



Black Haw

Uses:

As a decoction made from the bark of the Black Haw shrub or tree as well as the roots bark, are used to treat a variety of female complaints such as menstrual cramps, morning sickness, childbirth and menopause symptoms. An infusion is said to prevent miscarriage. Black Haw relaxes the uterus.


Applications:

Decoction:
Place 2 tsp. of dried bark in a cup of water, bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Take 1 cup up to 3 times a day for up to 5 days.

Tincture:
5 to 10 ml of the tincture can be taken 3 times a day until symptoms subside.


Warnings:

Do not ingest berries in any form.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.