{"id":307937,"date":"2026-02-27T10:49:37","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=307937"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:59:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:59:37","slug":"black-haw","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/black-haw\/","title":{"rendered":"Black haw"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":307963,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"d9e947aa-9dc2-470d-8525-ea662e000ec4","beyondwords_preview_token":"8d7a2b52-f713-4042-bd97-7e1cae6ff660","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[694,685,699,696,698,695],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[17,18,1820,27],"western_action":[989,997,1000,1001,1008,1017,2068],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1383,1497,1490,1494,1492],"writer":[2083],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-307937","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","conditions-respiratory-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-bitter","sense-pungent","sense-sweet","western_action-alterative","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-astringent","western_action-bitter","western_action-diuretic","western_action-nervine","western_action-reproductive-tonic","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cold","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-relaxing","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-toning","writer-suzi-richer","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20260227","herb_author":2083,"banner_text":"Black haw is traditionally used as a uterine tonic and spasmolytic","latin_name":"Viburnum prunifolium<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Adoxaceae","herb_summary":"As a reproductive tonic with spasmolytic actions, black haw is specifically indicated for threatened miscarriage and dysmenorrhoea.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"The bark is described as having \u201ca feeble odour, and a very bitter slightly aromatic taste\u201d\u00a0 (1) that \u201chas a musty valerian odour\u201d (2) and when pulverized, goes a red colour that is tinged with grey (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tincture is clear, deep, dark red-brown in colour. The taste is a mixture of earthy and sweet, with a bitterness detected in the roof of the mouth. Any tightness felt in the body or mind starts to dissipate after drinking, similar to <\/span>cramp bark<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Viburnum opulus<\/span><\/i>). Its relaxant effects are especially felt in the gut, chest, extremities and in the head.\u00a0 <\/span>","hdif_image_1":307963,"hdif_image_2":307964,"hdif_image_3":307959,"hdif_video":"","sense":[17,18,1820,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_307966\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Black Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBlack haw grows exclusively on the eastern side of North America from Connecticut to Florida and across to Texas and Kansas (3). The bark of the stem and the roots can be used, as well as the leaves (4).<\/span>\r\n\r\nBlack haw is antispasmodic particularly for pelvic pain (4). It is specific for when the pain goes in tandem with \u201ca sensation of dragging pressure in the groin and drawing pain in the legs\u201d (4). Within the female reproductive system it is used for <\/span>period pain<\/span><\/a>, facilitating labour, for preventing miscarriage, <\/span>post-partum<\/span><\/a> haemorrhage and spasm, leg cramps in pregnancy, heavy periods and uterine congestion (1,5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nOwing to its antispasmodic action, black haw is also used for hypertension, asthma, and constriction and cramping pain affects the bile ducts, digestive tract or urinary tract (6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHistorically, black haw was appreciated as a rememdy for its action beyond its antispasmodic and gynaecological qualities \u2014 being used for eye diseases, ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, jaundice, palpitations, epilepsy, petit mal seizures and nervous disorders (1).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_307964\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Black Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBlack haw has traditionally been used for tissues states that were tense, congested or irritable (1), it appears to help dissipate tension held physically in muscles, blood vessels and the mind.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBlack haw contains a variety of constituents that may be contributing to its relaxant and spasmolytic actions. The coumarins, in particular scopoletin and aesculetin have been shown <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> to have a direct effect on muscles - causing a relaxant effect (7). This provides one explanation for black haw\u2019s antispasmodic properties.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMore recent research has found that the iridoid glucosides in black haw are acting as agonists on beta-receptors, so providing a relaxant effect via the adrenergic system of the central nervous system (CNS) (8). The action of these constituents is thought to be responsible for the anti-spasmodic effect on the lungs in people with asthma (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe evidence of black haw acting on the CNS may provide a mechanism for its use historically for nervous conditions (1) and more recently for stress and ADHD (9), especially given the recent research that has shown that complex interactions exist between the neurotransmitters and receptors in the dopaminergic and adrenergic CNS systems (10). <\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_307962\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"Black Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn North and South Carolina and southern Virginia in North America, the Ye Iswa (People of the River) have traditionally used black haw as a treatment for dysentery and stomach troubles (6,11). For dysentery, the bark was pounded then mixed with wheat flour and water, and for stomach troubles a tea was made from the roots (11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe history of black haw also includes a more disturbing side, where it appears to have been used in the southern states of USA by slave owners to prevent women aborting pregnancies (2). Women would take cotton seeds to induce a termination to avoid their unborn child being born into slavery, in turn, the slave owner would force the woman to drink a daily infusion of black haw in order to counter the effects of the cotton seed and prevent the abortion (1,12). In the 19<\/span>th<\/span> century Dr Thomas Shennan heard about this idea and pulled together his own research on black haw to explore this mechanism further (2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn the 1930s narratives from ex-slaves were collected about medicinal plants, these included mixing black haw bark with <\/span>wild cherry<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Prunus serotina<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>slippery elm<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Ulmus rubra<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>mullein<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Verbascum thapsus<\/span><\/i>) to make a tonic for various illness including rheumatism, fever and stomach ache (13).<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurther accounts from both sides of the Atlantic in the 19<\/span>th<\/span> and early 20<\/span>th<\/span> century show that it was used successfully to avoid abortion, to prevent miscarriage, to stop pain after birth, lower blood pressure, and to relieve menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea (14\u201317).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"\"ReproductiveToday, there is little difference in the herbal usage between black haw (native to the USA) and <\/span>cramp bark<\/span><\/a> (native to Europe); however, some practitioners prefer to use black haw for womb pain (18).<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBlack haw is considered one of the most reliable uterine tonics (19,20).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWith its antispasmodic and relaxant actions, it is used particularly for <\/span>dysmenorrhea<\/span><\/a> (5,6,18,20,21), and specifically where pain travels to the lower back and down the legs (18). It can be combined with <\/span>wild yam<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Dioscorea villosa<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>cramp bark<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Viburnum opulus<\/span><\/i>) in a decoction or tincture for relieving period pain (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThere are many cases in the 19<\/span>th<\/span> century where it was used successfully to prevent miscarriage (2), and is still used today for threatened miscarriage (5,20,21).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn pregnancy, it can be used in the last trimester or last month of pregnancy in any case where there is poor uterine tone, fibroids, history of severe cramping pains, previous history of uterine haemorrhage, or if the woman has had more than five children in the past (18,19). It is also useful earlier in pregnancy for treating morning sickness (20,22). Consult a medical herbalist before using black haw during pregnancy.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe ability of black haw to help clear pelvic decongestion means that it can be used in cases of <\/span>endometriosis<\/span><\/a>, especially alongside herbs for pelvic circulation, astringents and immune stimulants (23). Its astringent action, in conjunction with its ability to tone the uterus, means it can also be used with menorrhagia (6).<\/span>\r\n

Respiratory system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nIt\u2019s antispasmodic action makes it useful for the treatment of asthma and spasmodic <\/span>coughs<\/span><\/a> (21).<\/span>\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBlack haw is used by midwives in cases of gestational <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a>, It is taken in tincture form along with <\/span>hawthorn<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Crataegus<\/span><\/i> spp.) and other relaxing nervines, where it has the effect of lowering blood pressure by relaxing the peripheral blood vessels (4,18,21).<\/span>\r\n

Musculoskeletal system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe antispasmodic action makes the use of black haw relevant where a muscle relaxant is needed. This is the case for especially for neck and back pain, where it can be added to creams along with 5% <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zingiber officinale<\/span><\/i>) or 10 ml of black haw tincture before bed can allow the back muscles to relax and realign overnight (18).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nBlack haw\u2019s ability to relieve tension, means that it is useful in times of <\/span>stress<\/span><\/a> (24), potentially for helping with <\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a> (9), for mild to moderate <\/span>headaches<\/span><\/a> and for temporary relief during <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a> (4,18).<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nIts antispasmodic action makes black haw an appropriate remedy for cramping pain in the bile ducts and digestive tract (6), especially with diarrhoea or constipation (18).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_307960\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"507\"]\"Black Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBlack haw has not been subject to extensive modern scientific research, and therefore literature on the phytochemicals and mechanisms of action is limited (19). Some <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> research exists (summarised below); however, currently randomised-controlled trials are lacking.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhilst there is little research on black haw, the research that has been undertaken has focussed on understanding active constituents. Ultimately, the research shows that the coumarins are likely acting directly on the muscle and the iridoids are having an effect on the adrenoreceptors of the central nervous system \u2014 both causing <\/span>relaxant<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>spasmolytic<\/span><\/a> actions. However, the research has been extremely limited so far and the likelihood is that other constituents are also adding to these actions.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Uterine relaxant properties of <\/span>Viburnum<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\r\nFollowing the 19th century Eclectic interest in <\/span>Viburnum<\/span><\/i> species as uterine relaxants and antispasmodics, very little was published until the mid-20<\/span>th<\/span> century when an article was published in 1966 examining the chemistry of black haw, cramp bark and other species. This demonstrated its antispasmodic effects (7).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe research was <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i>. Dried bark from identified specimens of black haw was ground, mixed with methanol and an extract obtained by gravity filtration, then mixed with distilled water for the experiment. The aim was to obtain complete relaxation of rat uteruses, which both black haw and cramp bark achieved. However, the authors suggested that black haw was not \u201csympathomimetic\u201d (acting on adrenoreceptors), but was acting directly on the muscle (7).<\/span>\r\n

On new constituents from the barks of <\/span>Viburnum prunifolium <\/span><\/i>L. (black haw) and <\/span>Viburnum opulus<\/span><\/i> L. (guelder rose)<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThe following year (1967) another study (25) used thin-layer chromatography alongside other techniques to identify constituents in black haw and cramp bark. The constituents found in black haw were: Amentoflavone (only found in black haw), coumarins (scopoletin, scoplin and aesculin) as well as triterpenes, sterols and arbutin. They also noted the absence of salicin, which had been found in previous research.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe second part of this research used <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> testing on guinea pig ileum and found that scopoletin and aesculetin showed clear effects directly on the muscle, whilst arbutin did not have spasmolytic properties (25).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

In vitro<\/span><\/i> relaxant and spasmolytic effects of constituents from <\/span>Viburnum prunifolium<\/span><\/i> and HPLC quantification of the bioactive isolated iridoids<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA more recent article (2009) tested the relaxant and spasmolytic properties of four <\/span>Valeriana<\/span><\/i>-type iridoids glucoside in black haw (8). The bark was dried and the iridoids extracted by methanol, then further evaporated to obtain ethanolic and butanoic fractions. These fractions were subjected to HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) to separate and identify the four iridoids in the samples (8). The iridoids were then injected into rabbit jejunum and guinea pig trachea.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn contrast to the 1966 study discussed above (7), the authors conclude that the iridoids were able to relax the rabbit jejunum and guinea pig trachea through interaction with the <\/span>\u03b2<\/span>-adrenergic system (8). They suggest the iridoids in black haw are acting as agonists. Given that beta-agonists are used for bronchodilation in treating asthma, the authors suggest their findings support indications (such as <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>) that occur in the wider ethnobotanical literature (8).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The main visual difference between black haw and cramp bark is the colour of the berries ) \u2014 cramp bark has jewel-like red berries and black haw has black berries (18).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":307966},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Black haw is a temperate deciduous shrub that can grow to 4<\/span>\u2013<\/span>8 m tall, with a spread of 4<\/span>\u2013<\/span>8 m (26,27).<\/span>\r\n\r\n Leaves are opposite, being simple or palmate (27).<\/span>\r\n\r\nFlowers occur in flat clusters approximately 10 cm diameter, with the individual flowers being small and white\/pink (27,28). <\/span>\r\n\r\nRed\/black\/blue berries follow the flowers and are edible after the first frost (27,28).<\/span>","common_names":"