Cramp Bark

The common snowball is a plant that is also known by the names common snowball, heartberry, bloodberry, steamberry, chokeberry, gooseberry, glassberry, snakeberry, waterberry and water snowball. This plant grows in North America and was used by Native Americans as a medicine to treat swollen glands, water retention, mumps and eye diseases. In addition, the Native Americans smoked this plant as a substitute for tobacco. Even today, the bark and root bark of the common snowball are still used to make medicine. As the American name Cramp Bark suggests, common snowball is used to relieve cramps including muscle cramps, menstrual cramps and cramps during pregnancy. Other uses include stimulating the kidneys for urinary system disorders associated with pain or cramps. Some people use common snowball for cancer, hysteria, infections, nervous disorders, a vitamin C deficiency known as scurvy, and pain and inflammation in the uterine area. In addition, common viburnum is used to increase urine flow, as an emetic and to empty the bowels.

How does common viburnum work?

Chemicals contained in common viburnum appear to relieve muscle spasms. These chemicals may also lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate.

How effective is common snowball?

There is insufficient scientific data to assess the effectiveness of common snowball for cramps, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, cramps during pregnancy, cancer, hysteria and nervous disorders, and as a kidney stimulant for urinary tract disorders involving pain or cramps. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of common snowball in these applications.

Safety and side effects

There is not enough information to say whether common snowball is safe and harmless or what side effects it may have.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of common viburnum during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid products made from this plant.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of common viburnum with medications or supplements.

Dosage

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