> Supplement Index > Black Haw / Viburnum prunifolium L. / Kings Crown / Sheep Berry / Snowball Tree / Stagbush / American Sloe > Black Haw General Information Black Haw Uses & Scientific Evidence For Black Haw Dosage Information Black Haw Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Black Haw General Information Black Haw is part of the honeysuckle family. It is a deciduous spreading shrub with a reddish-brown bark that grows in the northern part of the United States, but in the South, it is a small tree. Since the early 1800s, women used a tea made from Back Haw bark to soothe menstrual pain. It was also thought to help prevent miscarriage and ease the pain that follows childbirth. This plant contains salicin, a pain reliever that acts like aspirin. Black Haw also has antispasmodic, analgesic, astringent, sedative, cardiac tonic, uterine and muscle relaxant, nervine, diuretic, and tonic properties. This plant is sometimes erroneously called cramp bark, and though Black Haw’s effects are much stronger than those of cramp bark, the two are used alternately in treating various conditions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Black Haw Uses & Scientific Evidence For Today Black Haw is used to treat convulsions, hysteria, stress, and spasms. It is said that this plant is one of the most reliable remedies for treating menstrual cramps, spasms, high blood pressure, chills, fever, and pains. Black Haw is also used to treat asthma, palpitations, heart disease, arthritis, and the symptoms of rheumatism. When combined with false unicorn root, it works well in preventing miscarriage. When used as a tonic, it improves blood circulation. Research studies show it is effective as a uterine tonic in relaxing the muscles. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Black Haw Dosage Information Black Haw comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For making a tea with Black Haw bark, use 1 oz. of herb per one pint of freshly boiled distilled water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, and strain. Drink one cup 2-3 times a day. For other formulations and products it is best to read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Black Haw Safety & Interaction Information Black Haw is generally regarded as safe; however, since aspirin is a risk for birth defects in the early stages of pregnancy, the salicin in Black Haw bark may pose the same risks, so it is advised that pregnant women should use this herb only under the supervision of their physician. Not for use in children under the age of sixteen as salicin could increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome. There are those that have suffered side effects with Black Haw which includes upset stomach and a ringing in the ears. If you experience those symptoms, discontinue using. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -