Black haw medicinal is used as a diuretic herb to ease fluid retention

Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) medicinal herb is a plant that is native to northeastern North and Central America.  The primary part used for medicinal purposes is the dried root bark, extract and plant.  

It has been a part of history and has been used herbal medicine.  Some people refer to it as cramp bark, but they are two different species from the genus, Viburnum.

The common names are Blackhaw, Blackhaw viburnum, Viburnum, Nanny bush, Sweet haw, Southern blackhaw as well as Stag bush. 

It is from the Caprifoliaceae family.  It bears some creamy white flowers and fruits that are edible only in the winter time. 

However, some folks prefer to cook the fruits for extra precaution.  The fruits contains vitamin C and carbohydrates and they can be made into a pulp and add to various pastries.  The birds love to eat the fruits as well.

The active compounds or constituents found in this medicinal herb include salicin, aesculetin, scopoletin, tannin, volatile oil, 1-methy1-2-3, clibutyl hemimellitate and also viburnin. 

The medicinal properties are antispasmodic, sedative, nervine and also astringent.  This medicinal herb may very well be classed in the herbs list as a plant for women.

Health benefits of black haw

For hundred of years, The native American utilized the bark for gynecological ailments.  A decoction was made from it to treat menstrual cramps. 

It may also be utilized to aid the uterus into full restoration after childbirth, treat menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps, diarrhea, irritability, asthma and promoting urine production. 

It can be a remedy for morning sickness.  The medicinal plant may be used to treat cramps associated with the digestive tract or the bile ducts, due to its antispasmodic properties.

It has been discovered that the American slave masters utilized blackhaw plant to prevent abortions or miscarriages of the female slaves. 

They mandated them to consume an infusion of blackhaw.  This would ensure that the female slaves brought into this world children who would also be owned by the slave masters and used accordingly.

The possibility of a safe pregnancy was threatened by the female slaves who tried to use cotton seed herb to abort the pregnancy.

A concoction of this medicinal herb may also be used to treat cancer.  The salicin ingredient in it has the ability to alleviate pain.  However, those who are allergic to aspirin should not use blackhaw because they are similar in behavior.

Dosage

Place two teaspoonfuls of the dried bark in a cup of water and bring it to boil.  Then allow to simmer for about ten minutes. Consume three times per day or ask for black haw products in any herbal shop.

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Updated March 18, 2020