Latin (botanical) name: Viburnum opulus

Common names: Guelder Rose, Snowball Tree, King’s Crown, High Cranberry, Red Elder, Rose Elder, Water Elder, May Rose, Whitsun Rose, Dog Rowan Tree, Silver Bells, Black Haw.

Plant Description: The Wild Guelder Rose, a 5-10 foot high shrub that belongs to the same family as the Elder, is found throughout England and is indigenous to North America where it is found mostly in the eastern United States. The bark is collected chiefly in northern Europe. When purchased, it appears in thin, grayish-brown strips with brownish warts. It may have faint cracks along it’s stem. The odor is rather unpleasant, and it tastes extremely bitter. It has often been used to make skewers. The active principle of Cramp Bark is the bitter glucoside Viburnine, and it also contains resin, valerianic acid, and tannin.

Use: Make a tea by pouring approximately 2 cups of boiling water over 2 heaped tsp of herb. Let steep for 3-5 minutes. In general, sip a cup before breakfast, and another 2 hours after dinner

Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.