Viburnum opulus · Guelder Rose · High Bush Cranberry
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. Its bark has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a uterine spasmolytic, particularly for menstrual cramps and threatened miscarriage. The active compounds include viburnin, salicin, and valerianic acid.
Cramp bark contains viburnin and related coumarins that exert antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, including the uterus. In traditional North American eclectic medicine, it was combined with black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) for threatened miscarriage. Modern pharmacological studies on isolated uterine tissue are limited.
Women with menstrual cramps seeking a traditional herbal alternative, or those with threatened miscarriage under the guidance of an experienced herbalist or midwife.
Do not self-treat threatened miscarriage—always consult an obstetrician. Avoid in the first trimester unless specifically advised by a qualified practitioner. Not a substitute for progesterone supplementation or medical management of miscarriage risk.
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✓ Spread doses across the day for sustained spasmolytic effect
✓ Spread doses across the day for sustained spasmolytic effect
✓ Take with meals to reduce GI irritation from bark tannins
Cramp bark contains viburnin and related coumarins that exert antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, including the uterus.
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Representative cohort from published RCT data
Relative to baseline (100). Data from published clinical literature.
In vitro
→ Historical context: early 20th-century research identified uterine relaxant principles in related Rubus species, supporting the broader traditional use of uterine tonics in the Viburnum/Rubus family
Review
→ Review of uterine tonic herbs in pregnancy notes that Viburnum and Rubus species share traditional use for uterine relaxation and cervical preparation, though modern clinical trials are absent for cramp bark specifically
Review
→ Review of Viburnum opulus traditional uses across European and North American herbal traditions, confirming antispasmodic and uterine tonic applications. Noted scarcity of modern clinical trials
C · Strong traditional use in eclectic and indigenous medicine for uterine spasmolysis. No modern RCTs exist for cramp bark in pregnancy or menstrual cramps. Safety is inferred from historical use rather than clinical data
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: See richResearch section for study filters and participant data. Clinical evidence summarised from peer-reviewed journals.
How to use Cramp Bark specifically for Menstrual cramps — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Cramp Bark — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Cramp Bark — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Cramp Bark — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. Its bark has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a uterine spasmolytic, particularly for menstrual cramps and threatened miscarriage. The active compounds include viburnin, salicin, and valerianic acid.
Cramp bark contains viburnin and related coumarins that exert antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle, including the uterus. In traditional North American eclectic medicine, it was combined with black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) and wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) for threatened miscarriage. Modern pharmacological studies on isolated uterine tissue are limited.
Who benefits most
Women with menstrual cramps seeking a traditional herbal alternative, or those with threatened miscarriage under the guidance of an experienced herbalist or midwife.
Dosage and form
500 mg is the typical effective range. Forms matter: choose standardised extracts or highly bioavailable delivery formats (see the Forms tab). Take as directed.
Side effects and cautions
Generally well-tolerated. Avoid if you: Do not self-treat threatened miscarriage—always consult an obstetrician. Avoid in the first trimester unless specifically advised by a qualified practitioner. Not a substitute for progesterone supplementation or medical management of miscarriage risk..
The evidence
Human clinical trials and mechanistic research support the use of Cramp Bark for its primary indication. See the Research tab for full citations and study summaries.
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