*This is not medical advice*
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful and challenging phases of a woman's life. It is a time when her body undergoes numerous changes, both physically and emotionally. During this time, women may also experience a wide range of discomforts, including cramps, muscle pain, and backaches. While there are many medications available to relieve these symptoms, they may not be suitable for pregnant women or if you're like me, you want to start off with the natural remedies and move to medication when absolutely necessary. This is where cramp bark comes in!!
Cramp Bark, also known as Viburnum opulus, is a herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to relieve menstrual cramps and other reproductive system-related issues. It is also an effective remedy for muscle spasms, and after birth pains, which makes it an ideal choice for pregnant/postpartum women who experience this. With each birth, the afterpains and cramps tend to be more intense. Having Cramp Bark on hand is amazing for moms who have given birth before to help with the discomfort.
Some of the benefits of using Cramp Bark during pregnancy/postpartum:
1. Relieves cramps and muscle pain. One of the most significant benefits of cramp bark is its ability to relieve cramps and muscle pain. This herbal remedy helps to relax the muscles and ease the pain, making it an excellent choice for women experiencing cramps during pregnancy or postpartum. 2. Natural alternative to painkillers. Many painkillers are not suitable for pregnant women as they can harm the developing baby. Cramp Bark is a natural alternative to painkillers, making it a safer option for pregnant women. 3. Helps to regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure is a common problem during pregnancy, and it can lead to complications such as preeclampsia. Cramp Bark helps to regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy. 4. Reduces anxiety and stress. Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and anxiety is common among pregnant women. Cramp Bark has calming properties that help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, making it an ideal remedy for pregnant women. 5. Helps to prepare for labor. Cramp Bark is also known for its ability to prepare the uterus for labor. It helps to strengthen the uterine muscles, making contractions more effective during labor.
Cramp Bark for threatened miscarriage.
Herbs with Rosalle explains, "Cramp Bark is used by midwives for both a threatened miscarriage, early labor and during labor. Kinda sounds a bit contradictory. That’s the beautiful complexity of herbs. Cramp bark can relax the uterus to stop uterine contractions if they are happening too early, such as in a threatened miscarriage or early labor. However, cramp bark also helps to tone and regulate contractions, which can facilitate a healthy labor".
Cramp Bark when not pregnant.
Y'all, Cramp Bark isn't great just for pregnant and postpartum women!
Here are some benefits if you're not pregnant:
Relieves period cramps. As said above, Cramp Bark helps with uterine cramps so it can be super useful for painful periods and PMS.
Relieves urinary pain. Cramp Bark will not cure a bladder infection or a UTI, but it helps with the pain, discomfit and frequent urination associated with it.
Relieves Abdominal cramps. Cramp Bark help with pain and discomfit associated with IBS and diarrhea.
Relieves Spasmodic Coughing. Dry coughs are the worst! Cramp Bark helps calm the muscle spasm that is causing the dry cough aiding in better sleep at night.
Relieves high blood pressure. You don't have to pregnant to have high blood pressure! Cramp Bark relieves tension in the cardiac muscle, arteries and veins which helps decrease blood pressure.
Relieves tension headaches.
Safety and Dosage.
Medical herbalist, Richard Whelan, says this, "Cramp bark is an extremely safe herb that can and should be taken in pregnancy if there is concern for the uterus being overly tense and there being any threat of miscarriage; likewise, it may safely be used during breastfeeding and by the young and old".
The following dosage recommendations and side effects list comes from Herbs with Rosallee (HerbalRemediesAdvice.org):
"Powder: 1-4 g or as needed
Decoction: 1 g per 1 cup water, 2-3 cups daily
Tincture (1:5; 45% to 55%), 2-4 mL 3 times daily
Fluid extract: (1:1; 45% to 55%)
Young girls: 10-30 drops daily
Adults: up to 1/2 tbsp as needed"
Side effects.
"The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia says that there is no known contraindication or toxicity associated with cramp bark. Other herbalists list the following special considerations:
Avoid if allergic to aspirin
Avoid for small children
Might aggravate tinnitus
Avoid use with blood thinners
May lower blood pressure"
In conclusion.
Cramp bark is an excellent remedy for pregnant women who experience cramps, muscle pain, and other discomforts during pregnancy. It is a natural alternative to painkillers, helps to regulate blood pressure, reduces anxiety and stress, and helps to prepare the uterus for labor.
Hope ya'll enjoyed learning about this beautiful plant!
Have a kickass week!
Kinsey Drea, birth doula
Citations.
“MLA Citation Generator.” Citation Machine, a Chegg Service, https://www.citationmachine.net/mla.
“Cramp Bark (Viburnum Opulus).” HerbalRemediesAdvice.org, https://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/viburnum-opulus.html.
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