Viburnum Opulus. - Synonyms. - Cramp Bark. High Bush Cranberry. The bark of Viburnum Opulus Linne (nat. ord. Caprifoliaceae).

Habitat

North America, from New Brunswick westward, and southward to Pennsylvania, in low grounds.

Characters

In flatfish or curved bands, or occasionally in quills, sometimes 30 cm. long, and from I to 1.5 mm. thick, outer surface ash-gray, marked with scattered somewhat traversely elongated warts of a brownish color, due to abrasion, and more or less marked with blackish dots, and chiefly in a longitudinal direction with black, irregular lines or thin ridges; underneath the easily-removed corky layer of a pale brownish or somewhat reddish-brown color; the inner surface dingy white or brownish; fracture tough, the tissue separating in layers; inodorous; taste somewhat astringent and bitter.

Composition

The same as of Viburnum Prunifolium.

Dose, 1 to 2 dr.; 4. to 8. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Viburni Opuli Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Viburnum Opulus

By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation.

Dose, 1 to 2 fl. dr.; 4. to 8. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Viburnum

Viburnum is believed to be an antispasmodic, diuretic and tonic. It is especially used in the nervous diseases of pregnancy and to prevent miscarriage. It has considerable reputation as a remedy for spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, in the treatment of afterpains, and in menorrhagia. This remedy has been in extensive use for more than twenty years and is undoubtedly of value.