Black Haw

Western Bulk Herbs – Black Haw

Western Bulk Herbs Black Haw is a tree, the bark of which helps relax the uterus and peripheral blood vessels. This has the effect of relieving high blood pressure and uterine pains as well as false labor pains. The herb is popular today for its use in relieving menstrual cramps. Black Haw grows in Eastern North America, and pairs well with cramp bark. This plant forms both trees and shrubs depending on conditions and features clusters of ornamental flowers. After flowering, the tree bears fruit which can be eaten or made into jams and preserves. Typically, it is the dried bark that is collected and used for herbal medicines.

Latin Name:
Viburnum prunifolium

Common Name:
blackhaw viburnum, sweet haw, stag bush, stagberry

Parts Used:
Dried bark of the root, stem, or trunk

Properties:
Anti-spasmodic, sedative, hypotensive, astringent

Traditional Uses:
Black haw bark was often used to improve or even enforce pregnancy. Native Americans would use the herb to prevent a number of issues ranging from spams and smallpox to tongue sores and ague.

Internal Applications:
When brewed into a decoction or tincture, this herb relaxes the uterus and relieves high blood pressure and uterine pains.

Topical Uses / Applications:
N/A

Culinary Uses:
The fruit of the tree can be harvested and eaten raw or made into jams and preserves.

Chemical Properties:
Triterpenoids, coumarins, bitter principle, valerianic acid, salicosides, tannin.

Folk Lore:
N/A

Cautions:

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:

David Hoffman’s The New Holistic Herbal
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/viburnum-prunifolium-blackhaw
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Viburnum-Prunifolium-Cid2800
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/viburnum-prunifolium/