Cramp Bark

Size: 2oz bag

Cramp bark grows in the US & Canada but its native to the lowland forest of Scotland and England. It is a plant that belongs to the honeysuckle family. It naturally contains a compound called methyl salicylate, which is known to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

As its name hints, cramp bark is known for relieving cramps, including those associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It also has a long history of use in Native American herbalism, including the Penobscot tribe of Maine, who used cramp bark to naturally treat gout and swollen glands. At the same time in Wisconsin, the Meskwaki tribe was using this herbal remedy for back pain, arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Cramp bark is known to have antispasmodic, sedative, relaxant and astringent properties.

 Below are the key benefits associated with cramp bark:

1. PMS/Menstrual Cramps

Research from in vitro studies reveals that cramp bark can block the spasms of smooth muscle, so it’s not surprising that one of cramp bark’s most well-known uses as a traditional herbal remedy is for menstrual cramps that can accompany PMS. It’s known to help soothe even severe cramping that is associated with nausea, vomiting and sweaty chills.

Cramp bark is traditionally prepared by placing two teaspoons of the dried bark into a cup of water, bringing it to a boil and then simmering it for 10 to 15 minutes. This tea can be consumed three times per day for cramps. Another option is four to eight milliliters of tincture three times per day.

2. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Cramp bark has been used to treat gynecological disorders, including dysmenorrhea (painful periods) as well as ovarian cysts.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmocology in 2016 wanted to see if cramp bark could also improve endometriosis. The study concludes that the herb’s chlorogenic acid content, along with its other phenolic compounds, are likely responsible for its positive effects on endometriosis.

3. Miscarriage

According to experts in the field, cramp bark has long been used as a spasmolytic (or antispasmodic) during pregnancy, particularly in miscarriage prevention. This use as an herbal remedy in pregnancy is said to go back to Native American tribes.

Cramp bark is known to be a top pick by herbalists in the United Kingdom for preventing miscarriage. Several active substances in cramp bark including scopoletin and aesculetin, have been labeled as having antispasmodic effects on the uterus.

Midwives sometimes choose cramp bark for a threatened miscarriage, as well as early labor, during actual labor and for after-labor cramping. While this may sound strange, herbs are known for sometimes having opposite effects on the body depending on the quantity used, when and how they are used, and whether or not an herb is used alone or in combination with other herbs.

4. Muscle Relaxant

Cramp bark has a lengthy history as a natural muscle relaxant. As mentioned earlier, it is known to help relieve menstrual cramping due to its ability to stop smooth muscle spasms. For this reason, it’s also known to help relieve muscle spasms and aches throughout the body, such as in the back or legs, whether related to PMS or physical exertion.

5. Possible Anti-Cancer Effects

A study published in 2018 in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics points toward possible anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects of cramp bark. Researchers demonstrated how extracts from gilaburu juice (juice made from the berries of the cramp bark plant) displayed in vivo antitumoral activity.

Another study published in 2013 evaluated possible positive effects on colon cancer in particular. Overall, researchers found that the groups of subjects with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer that were treated with gilaburu juice for 30 weeks experienced a reduction in mean total number of tumor lesions. The researchers concluded that “gilaburu juice may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage.”

6. Kidney Health

It appears cramp bark is effective in preventing kidney stones and can benefit overall kidney health. It’s believed its citrate content is partly responsible for this effect.

In fact, one study reported, “Because V. opulus contains citrate as high as lemon juice does and it is a potassium-rich and calciumand sodium-poor fluid, it can be an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment in mild-to-moderate degree hypocitraturic stone patients.” Meanwhile, another study published in 2019 revealed that “V. opulus is an herbal treatment alternative that facilitates the passage of ureteral stones <10 mm.”

7. Antioxidant Properties

Cramp bark contains flavonoids and carotenoids, which are antioxidants known for their ability to combat oxidative stress in the body. These compounds may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes by preventing cellular damage. Animal studies have suggested that the antioxidants present in cramp bark could also be beneficial in treating conditions like endometriosis.

8. Possible Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Research has indicated that cramp bark may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which could make it useful for addressing inflammation-related conditions. Additionally, preliminary studies have explored its potential use alongside materials like copper and silver for creating nanostructures with antibacterial properties

Organically Grown

Organic foods are grown on land that has been free from the use of synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, insecticides or herbicides for at least three years. Before a product can be labeled Certified Organic, farmers and processors must meet certain requirements.