Botanical atlas
Black Haw
Viburnum prunifolium
Black haw has long stood beside its close cousin cramp bark as one of the great womb tonics of American herbalism, its stripped bark simmered into decoctions by midwives, Eclectic physicians, and rural households alike. Indigenous peoples of the eastern woodlands used the bark and berries for a range of complaints before European settlers adopted it, and by the nineteenth century it had earned a steady place in physicians' bags as a remedy to ease painful cramping and settle an unsettled womb. It was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia for decades, a rare honor for a native shrub, prescribed with real seriousness rather than folk whimsy. Herbalists today still reach for it first when cramping, whether monthly or otherwise, calls for something gentle but dependable.
In tradition.
Black haw has long stood beside its close cousin cramp bark as one of the great womb tonics of American herbalism, its stripped bark simmered into decoctions by midwives, Eclectic physicians, and rural households alike. Indigenous peoples of the eastern woodlands used the bark and berries for a range of complaints before European settlers adopted it, and by the nineteenth century it had earned a steady place in physicians' bags as a remedy to ease painful cramping and settle an unsettled womb. It was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia for decades, a rare honor for a native shrub, prescribed with real seriousness rather than folk whimsy. Herbalists today still reach for it first when cramping, whether monthly or otherwise, calls for something gentle but dependable.
Traditional preparations.
The traditional way to draw the constituents out of black haw's tough bark, gently simmered rather than steeped.
Traditionally, 1 teaspoon of dried, cut black haw bark is simmered in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes, then strained. A small cup is taken as needed.
Safety.
Black haw bark contains aspirin-like compounds, so avoid it if you're sensitive to salicylates, and use caution with blood thinners. Its oxalate content means those prone to kidney stones should avoid it, and it should only be used in pregnancy under a midwife or physician's guidance.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies black haw from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
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Ask about Black HawHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.