Evidence supporting the use of: Black Haw
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and early European settlers, for the management of menstrual cramps, uterine spasms, and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The bark of the plant was commonly prepared as a decoction or tincture and used to alleviate pain and discomfort related to menstruation. The rationale for its use is largely based on its reputed antispasmodic effects, which are thought to help relax uterine muscles and thus reduce cramping and associated PMS symptoms. However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. There are a few animal studies suggesting that Black Haw may exert muscle relaxant effects on smooth muscle tissue, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The active compounds believed to contribute to these effects include viburnin, salicin, and other coumarins, which may have mild anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxant properties. Despite this, evidence remains largely anecdotal and rooted in tradition rather than supported by rigorous scientific studies. As such, while Black Haw continues to be included in some herbal preparations for PMS, its efficacy has not been conclusively demonstrated in modern clinical research.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Black Haw
Afterbirth PainCramps (menstrual)
Dysmenorrhea
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)