Black haw viburnums are native to the woodlands and thickets of eastern and central North America. Often grown as an ornamental, the small tree or shrub has clusters of white flowers and attractive blue-black fruits that can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies. The bark is sustainably sourced from wild black haw plants, dried and ground into a powder for medicinal use.
Native Americans used a decoction of black haw bark to ease menstrual cramps and prevent miscarriage. Studies confirm that black haw is an antispasmodic that relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and small intestine; herbal practitioners primarily use the powder to ease menstrual pain and cramping.
Black haw bark powder is typically taken as a tea, capsule or tincture. The taste is extremely bitter and some find it more palatable when combined with other flavors like lemon, ginger, honey or sugar.
Caution: Black haw may contain small amounts of salicin, a compound related to aspirin. Those allergic to aspirin could theoretically be allergic to black haw, though this has not been reported. It should not be used during pregnancy except under the direction of a health care professional.
