Black Haw
Black haw’s reputation as an herbal aid for preventing miscarriage goes back to the time of early Native Americans and pioneers. Black haw comes from the bark of a decorative shrub that is native to North America. It is a kissing cousin to cramp bark, which has similar healing properties.
Healing potential of Black Haw:
Black Haw bark contains salicin, the compound that is responsible for aspirin’s pain relieving and anti-inflammatory abilities. Other chemical compounds of this herb include scopoletin, which is known as a powerful uterine relaxant, and valerinic acid, which is a sedating substance.
Herbalist believe that because of these active ingredients, black haw relieves menstrual cramps, helps normalize irregular uterine contractions during labor, and eases bleeding after childbirth. Finally, black haw is rich in steroidal saponins, steroid like compounds that supposedly serve as raw material for the production of hormones by the liver. Herbalists say that these compounds make black haw very useful for easing menopausal symptoms.
Using Black Haw: black haw bark can be boiled down, or decocted, into a hot drink or taken in the form of a tincture.
Safety: because black haw contains oxalates, which can cause kidney stones, individuals with a history of kidney stones should consult a physician before using this herb.
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