Clef Des Champs Tradition Cramp Bark Tincture (Organic) - 50ml

CRAMPBARK

By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.)

Keep this natural muscle relaxant on hand in your medicine cabinet to treat all kinds of cramping.

Crampbark is a well known quick and effective treatment for menstrual cramping, but did you know you can use it for all different kinds of cramping? It is a muscle relaxant that can also be used for intestinal cramping, leg muscle cramping and urinary tract cramping. It is a good idea to keep this versatile herb on hand in your medicine cabinet to treat symptomatic cramping.

What Is Crampbark?

Viburnum opulus, more commonly known as crampbark, is an ornamental shrub with medicinal properties. The bark of this plant is used to treat cramps, just as the name implies!

What Is Crampbark Used For?

Crampbark has a long history of use for menstrual cramps and usually works very quickly. It is a uterine antispasmodic that is not only great for menstrual cramping, it also has been used to halt contractions during premature labor, as well as building up uterine muscle during the last trimester of pregnancy to prepare for an easier labor. It is important to first consult with an experienced herbalist or naturopathic doctor before using crampbark during pregnancy.

Since crampbark is a muscle relaxant, it can also be used for intestinal cramping and muscle cramps any where in the body including leg cramps and a stiff neck. Crampbark relaxes smooth muscle and has been used to treat the spasmodic nature of asthma and colic. It is also effective as a kidney stimulant for urinary conditions that cause pain and spasms.

How Does Crampbark Work?

Crampbark is a uterine antispasmodic herb that relaxes the muscular part of the uterus. The bark and root bark contain the active components scopoletin and viopudial, that work to relax smooth muscle. These active components have a strong relaxing effect on uterine smooth muscle, but also have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle through out the body including the intestines, the small airways in the lungs, kidneys and bladder.

How Do You Use It?

Crampbark is typically available in tincture (liquid) form, which is the most effective and absorbable form. For menstrual cramps, take 30-60 drops every hour until cramping subsides, and then take 30-60 drops every 2-3 hours. Reduce the dosage as symptoms decrease. It’s best to start taking crampbark 1-2 days before menstrual cramping starts, but can be taken only as needed. There is no need to take crampbark throughout the menstrual cycle, only use it when cramping occurs.

For other types of cramping in adults, take 30-60 drops every 2-3 hours and reduce the dosage as cramping subsides.

Crampbark Quick Facts

Sources

· Bark, Root Bark

Applications

· Cramping, Menstrual Cramps, Intestinal Cramps, Muscle Cramps, Urinary Tract Cramping, Colic, asthma

Dosage

· There Are No Current Studies Documenting A Therapeutic Dosage Range. Some Doctors Suggest 30-60 Drops Of The Tincture Form Every 2-3 Hours For Cramping And To Reduce The Dose As Cramping Subsides.
· For Menstrual Cramping - Take 30-60 Drops Every Hour Until Cramping Subsides, And Then Take 30-60 Drops Every 2-3 Hours. Reduce The Dosage As Symptoms Decrease. It’s Best To Start Taking Crampbark 1-2 Days Before Menstrual Cramping Starts, But Can Be Also Be Taken Only As Needed.

Works Well With

· Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin E

Important Information

· Use With The Guidance Of A Health Professional Such As A Naturopathic Doctor When On Immune Modulating Medications Or Anti-Hypertensives As There May Be Potential For Interactions. Do Not Use In Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding Unless Guided By A Health Professional.