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Viburnum prunifolium

Blackhaw is a shrub native to the forests of Central and North America. The root bark of the black haw and its extracts are used in the manufacture of medicines. Blackthorn is used to increase urine output as a diuretic to reduce water retention and to treat diarrhea, cramps and asthma. Blackthorn is also used as a tonic. Women use blackthorn to treat menstrual cramps and uterine cramps after childbirth, as well as to prevent miscarriages.

How does blackthorn work?

Blackthorn contains chemicals that may relax the uterus.

How effective is blackthorn?

There is not enough scientific data to evaluate the effectiveness of blackthorn in treating diarrhea, asthma, menstrual cramps, and postpartum uterine cramps, as well as promoting urination and preventing miscarriage.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of blackthorn in these applications.

Safety and side effects

The use of blackthorn in the usual medicinal quantities appears to be safe and harmless for most people. To date, there have been no reports of side effects.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: The use of blackthorn during pregnancy may not be safe or safe because blackthorn may affect the uterus. Since not enough is known about the use of blackthorn during lactation, breastfeeding women should avoid blackthorn.

Allergy to aspirin: Blackthorn contains chemicals called salicylates, which are structurally similar to the active ingredient in aspirin. There are therefore concerns that these salicylates could cause an allergic reaction in people who suffer from asthma or are allergic to aspirin.

Kidney stones: Because blackthorn contains oxalic acid, it could promote the formation of kidney stones in people who have a tendency to develop them.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions with blackthorn.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of blackthorn depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for blackthorn. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Agriculture Res Svc. Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. Available at: www.ars-grin.gov/duke/ (Accessed July 7, 1999).
  2. Chevallier A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. London, UK: Dorling Kindersley, Ltd, 1996.
  3. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  4. Hoffman D. The herbal handbook: a user's guide to medical herbalism. rev ed. Rochester, VT:Healing Arts Press, 1998.
  5. Upton R, Petrone C, eds. Black Haw Bark, Viburnum prunifolium: Analytical, quality control, and therapeutic monograph. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia. 2000