Cramp Bark – Viburnum opulus L. – Herba Organica

Description

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus L.) – Dried Bark | Herba Organica

Cramp Bark from Herba Organica offers carefully dried pieces of Viburnum opulus L., a traditionally recognised European and Asian botanical known for its firm bark and versatile use in teas, infusions, and decoctions. Its firm texture and distinctive herbal profile make it suitable for blending with other botanicals and incorporating into creative herbal preparations.

A Historic Botanical with European Roots

Cramp Bark, also known as European Cranberrybush or Guelder Rose, has a long-standing presence in traditional European herbal practices. Historically, the bark was collected in late spring or early summer. In folk traditions, it was valued in households as part of a well-stocked herbal pantry. Dried Cramp Bark was often included in infusions, decoctions, and layered herbal blends for daily enjoyment and practical household use.

Traditional European herbal texts mention the bark’s use in daily herbal routines, from teas and warm infusions to simmered preparations. Its long-standing cultural presence reflects its versatility and enduring appeal in both rural and domestic herbal practices.

Ingredients

100% dried Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus L.), carefully collected to preserve its natural texture, colour, and botanical integrity. Free from additives, preservatives, or artificial colours, this high-quality bark is ideal for creating herbal infusions, decoctions, and layered botanical blends.

How to Prepare Cramp Bark

Standard Infusion

• Standard serving: 1 teaspoon (2–3 g) dried bark per 200–250 ml cup

• Water temperature: Freshly boiled water (100 °C)

• Steeping time: 7–10 minutes for a mild infusion, longer for a stronger preparation

Place the dried bark in a cup or teapot, pour boiling water over it, and steep for 7–10 minutes. Strain before drinking. The resulting infusion is suitable for daily enjoyment.

Decoction

• 1–2 tsp Cramp Bark

• 250–300 ml cold water

Place the bark in a small saucepan with cold water. Slowly bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Decoctions extract more from firmer botanicals than standard infusions, making them ideal for layered blends or herbal bases.

Herbal Blends

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus L.) has been traditionally valued for its firm, textured bark and versatile use in herbal infusions, decoctions, and blended botanical teas. Herba Organica offers carefully dried Cramp Bark, maintaining its natural integrity without any additives, preservatives, or artificial colours. Its sturdy bark and mild herbal character make it an ideal base for creating comforting, layered herbal blends suitable for daily use or evening relaxation.

Comfort Herbal Blend

• 1 tsp Cramp Bark

• ½ tsp Meadowsweet Herb

• ½ tsp Blackberry Leaf

• ½ tsp Lavender Flowers

Combine herbs in a cup or teapot. Pour 300 ml freshly boiled water and steep 8–12 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm. This blend balances firm bark with floral and woody notes for a soothing daily infusion.

Evening Botanical Mix

• 1 tsp Cramp Bark

• ½ tsp Linden Flower

• ½ tsp Marshmallow Root

• ½ tsp Dried Apple Pieces

Place all ingredients in a cup or teapot, pour 300 ml hot water, and steep for 10–12 minutes. Strain before drinking. A mild, comforting blend for calming evening moments, combining blossoms, softened roots, and dried fruit.

Herbal Decoction Blend

• 1 tsp Cramp Bark

• ½ tsp Nettle Leaf

• ½ tsp Elderberry Dried Fruit

• ½ tsp Yarrow Herb

Add all ingredients to a small pot with 300 ml cold water. Slowly heat until simmering and cook for 10–15 minutes. Strain and serve warm. This traditional simmered method extracts fuller qualities from the bark and herbs.

Additional Applications

• Layered herbal blends: Combine Cramp Bark with herbs like Meadowsweet, Linden, or Lavender for aromatic daily teas

• Decoctions: Simmered bark can be used in layered herbal tea blends to extract its natural botanical qualities.

• Infused beverages: Incorporate Cramp Bark in warm herbal drinks, spiced syrups, or botanical drinks

Tips for Best Results

• Use clean, filtered water for all infusions and decoctions

• Experiment with combining Cramp Bark with seasonal herbs or edible flowers

• Store prepared infusions, decoctions, or infusions in airtight containers in a cool place

Why Choose Herba Organica Cramp Bark

Authentic Quality

Each batch is selected to ensure consistent size, texture, and natural characteristics. Our drying methods preserve the bark’s firmness and suitability for infusion, decoction, or blending with other botanicals.

Versatility for Herbal and Culinary Use

Cramp Bark can be prepared as a simple infusion, simmered as a decoction, or combined with other dried herbs to create complex herbal blends. Its firm texture allows for flexible use in layered teas, warm beverages, and culinary herbal preparations.

Simple Preparation

Using Cramp Bark is straightforward. Steep or simmer small pieces in hot water to release the natural qualities of the bark. For culinary applications, it can be incorporated into layered herbal bases or simmered in broths.

Important Information

The description and any information provided about this product are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor to replace professional medical advice. For official UK guidance on the safe use of herbal products, see the NHS page. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.