Viburnum Opulus

Also Known As:

• Guelder Rose

• European Cranberry

• Cramp Bark

• Snowball Tree

• Red Elder

• Rose Elder

Part Used:

• Fresh bark

• Leaves

Description:

Viburnum opulus is a shrub (small bush) that grows naturally in Europe and Asia. It belongs to the same family as honeysuckle. Some people also consider a similar plant from North America called Viburnum trilobum as a type of this plant.

• It has flat, white flowers in round clusters about 3 to 5 inches wide.

• The outer flowers are bigger but sterile (they don’t produce seeds), while the tiny flowers in the middle produce nectar for insects.

• After flowering, it grows bright red berries which birds love to eat.

• In August, the berries turn red, and by autumn, the leaves become bright red or purple before falling.

• Its leaves look like maple leaves and the shrub can grow up to 5 to 10 feet tall.

• Viburnum can spread quickly, sometimes taking over the space of other plants.

• In Canada, its berries are sometimes used instead of cranberries.

What It Contains:

The bark contains a natural compound called scopoletin, which has calming effects, especially on muscles like the uterus.

Medicinal Uses:

Main properties:

• Antispasmodic (relieves cramps and spasms)

• Astringent (tightens tissues)

• Sedative (calms the nerves)

Uses:

• The bark is commonly used for treating muscle cramps, asthma attacks, colic (stomach pain in babies), and painful menstruation (period cramps).

• A tea made from the bark helps relieve all kinds of spasms, like:

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Spasms after childbirth

  • Preventing miscarriage

• It’s also used to calm nervousness, anxiety, and weakness.

• The leaves and berries are sometimes used for:

  • Treating vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)

  • As a laxative

  • As a mild vomit-inducing medicine if needed in certain conditions

Other Uses:

• The bark is collected in autumn (before leaves change color) or in spring (before leaves grow) and dried for later use.

• The plant is also grown as a decorative garden shrub and the berries are sometimes used for making ink.

Note:

Though it’s a useful plant in herbal medicine, it should be used carefully. Always talk to a doctor or herbal specialist before using it, especially for pregnancy-related issues.