Herb of the Week: Black Haw

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is found in North America as a shrub. This herb has been used in traditional medicine to help women with reproductive issues, often compared to Cramp Bark. There's not a lot of "science" to back this herb up but if women used it, there must be something to it.

This herb is considered an antispasmodic and a uterine tonic. What does that mean? It means that it's helpful for menstrual cramping and to ease uterine spasms as it relaxes smooth muscle tissue (that's the muscle that lines our internal organs as opposed to skeletal muscles that are striated, FYI). Because of this, it's been used to relax the uterus during pregnancies that have a chance to miscarry or even to help ease the pain of childbirth. It's also considered a diuretic (makes you urinate more) and a sedative. So be cautious if you try a tea of this as it has the potential to make you sleepy. And, since the bark of the stem is used, you would make a decoction (herb is simmered - not boiled - in water for 15-20 minutes). It also contains salicins (avoid if allergic to aspirin) as well as oxalic acid (avoid if prone to kidney stones).

As for its witchcraft purposes, use it in protection, fertility, and healing, especially healing related to women's health. It can also help enhance intuition and strengthen spiritual connections.