Family:

Caprifoliaceae

 

Part Used:

Bark and root bark.

 

Energetics & Taste:

 Dry, bitter, cool, astringent.

 

Habitat:

Native to central and southern North America, you’ll find it growing in woodlands.

 

Key Benefits:

Black haw is a classic remedy for menstrual pain and is closely related to its cousin, cramp bark. As both an astringent and antispasmodic, it is used to address uterine prolapse and heavy menstrual bleeding. Thanks to its constituent scopoletin, black haw acts as a potent uterine relaxant, making it beneficial for conditions like dysmenorrhea, uterine colic, vaginismus, and false pregnancy pains. Traditionally, it has also been used to help prevent miscarriage.

Its sedative and antispasmodic properties extend beyond the female reproductive system, providing relief for hypertension, asthma, and testicular pain, particularly when combined with other herbs in a formula.

 

Contraindications:

 Due to calcium oxalates, black haw should be avoided if kidney stones are present.