|
Black Haw
Viburnum prunifolium
Caprifoliaceae
Names : Stagbush, American Sloe.
Habitat : Eastern and Central USA.
Collection : The bark from the roots and the trunk is collected in the
autumn. The shrubs should be dug out and the bark stripped from roots
and trunk. The bark from branches should be collected in spring and
summer. In both cases the bark should be dried in the shade.
Part Used : Dried bark of root, stem or trunk.
Constituents : o Coumarins, including scopoletin
o Salicin
o l-Methyl-2,3-dibutyl hemimellitate
o Miscellaneous; viburnin, plant acids, volatile oil, tannin.
Actions : Anti-spasmodic, nervine, hypotensive, astringent.
Indications : Black Haw has a very similar use to Cramp Bark, to which
it is closely related. It is a powerful relaxant of the uterus and is
used for dysmenorrhoea, false labour pains as well as in threatened
miscarriage. Its relaxant and sedative actions explain its power in
reducing blood pressure in hypertension, which happens through a
relaxation of the peripheral blood vessels. It may be used as an
anti-spasmodic in the treatment of asthma.
Kings describes this herb thus That it has a decided affinity for the
female reproductive organs is well established. Decoctions of the drug
were formerly used as a gargle in apthae, as a wash in indolent ulcers,
and in various ophthalmic disorders. By its astringency it has proved of
value in diarrhoea and dysentery. It has been recommended in jaundice,
but we have a better agent in Chionanthus. Palpitation of the heart is
said to have been relieved by it. Its principal use at the present day
is in disorders of the female organs of reproduction. As a uterine tonic
it is unquestionably of great utility. In the hyperasthetic, or
irritable condition of the uterus incident to highly nervous women, or
as the result of overwork, it will be found an admirable agent. In
dysmenorrhoea, with deficient menses, uterine colic, and in those cases
where there are severe lumbar and bearing-down pains, it will prove an
efficient drug. It is specifically indicated in cramp-like menstrual
pains, pains decidedly expulsive and intermittent in character and in
the various painful contractions of the pelvic muscles, so common to
disorders of women. Uterine congestion and chronic uterine inflammation
are often greatly relieved by Black Haw. It acts promptly in spasmodic
dysmenorrhoea. especially with excessive flow. It is a good remedy for
uterine hemorrhage attending the menopause. In amenorrhoea in pale,
bloodless subjects, the menses are restored by it. Cramps of limbs
attending pregnancy yield to both black haw and cramp bark. It is
considered almost specific for cramp in the legs, not dependent on
pregnancy, especially when occurring at night. The condition for which
black haw is most valued is that of threatened abortion. It is the most
prompt drug in the materia medica to check abortion, provided the
membranes have not ruptured. In all cases of habitual abortion it should
be given in small doses for a considerable length of time. The abundant
testimony as to its value in this condition alone gives it a high place
among drugs. By its quieting effects upon the irritable womb, women who
have previously been unable to go to full term have been aided by this
drug to pass through the pregnancy without mishaps which would otherwise
have proven disastrous to both child and mother. It has been used to
control postpartum haemorrhage, but is less effective than ergot and
cinnamon. It assists in reducing the size of the womb in subinvolution
of that organ. Viburnum is of some value in nervous disorders, and has
been advised in chorea, hysteria, hystero-epilepsy, petit mal, and
paralysis agitans. It is of service only when these troubles are
associated with menstrual wrongs. Viburnum opulus resembles this agent
very closely in its effects, and may be used in the above-named
conditions, for which the black haw is useful.
Specific Indications and Uses - Uterine irritability and hyperasthesia;
threatened abortion; uterine colic; dysmenorrhoea with deficient menses;
severe lumbar and bearing-down pains; cramp-like, expulsive menstrual
pain; intermittent, painful contractions of the pelvic tissues;
after-pains and false pains of pregnancy; obstinate hiccough.
Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried
bark in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for l0 minutes.
This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 5-l0 ml of the tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
|
