Origin. - The dried bark of Viburnum prunifolium L., a tall shrub or small tree, 10 to 20 feet (3-6 M.) high, growing in thickets throughout the greater portion of the United States east of the Mississippi.

Description and Properties. - Thin pieces or quills, glassy purplish-brown, with scattered warts and minute black dots; when collected from old wood, grayish-brown, the thin corky layer easily removed from the green layer; inner surface whitish, smooth; fracture short; inodorous; somewhat astringent and bitter.

It contains a bitter principle (viburnin), a bitter resin, valerianic acid, besides tannic, oxalic, citric, and malic acids.

Dose. - 30-60 grains (2.0-4.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Viburni Prunifolii - Fluidextracti Viburni Prunifolii - Fluidextract of Black Haw. - Dose, 1/2-1 fluidram (1.8-3.7 Cc).

Antagonists and Incompatibles. - It is chemically incompatible with iron and other substances affected by tannic acid.

Synergists. - Antispasmodics and uterine sedatives.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - The action of black haw is best understood by classing it with the volatile-oil group. It acts as an antispasmodic, diuretic, nervine, and tonic, being especially useful in various uterine disorders, such as spasmodic and membranous dysmenorrhea.

The various vasomotor disturbances and the menorrhagia incident to the menopause are frequently relieved by this remedy. It is also of some value in the prevention of abortion. Its sedative properties render it serviceable in relieving the severity of after-pains.