• Aletris cordial, American guelder-rose, black haw viburnum, blackhaw, blackhaw viburnum, Caprifoliaceae (family), Celerina, common guelder-rose, Helonias Cordial, iridoid glucosides, salicin, stag bush, Viburnum opulus L.
• Note: Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) should not be confused with Sideroxylon lanuginosum and Viburnum lentago, which may also be commonly called black haw.

• Black haw is a small tree or shrub with oval leaves, pale flowers, and dark blue-black berries.
• Black haw is native to southern North America and has a long history of medicinal use among Native Americans. Traditional uses include the treatment of symptoms and disorders associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
• There is currently not enough human data available to support any use of black haw.

• Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period), bleeding, childbirth (recovery), colic, eye problems, jaundice, menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, miscarriage prevention, nervous disorders, pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting, pregnancy problems (limb pain), stomach cramps, uterine disorders.

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for black haw.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for black haw.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with known allergy or hypersensitivity to black haw, its constituents, or to members of the Caprifoliaceae family.
• Avoid in people with allergy or hypersensitivity to salicin, which is related to aspirin.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Because of black haw's potential similarity to salicin and aspirin, Reye's syndrome may be a risk for children taking black haw. Black haw may also increase the risk of bleeding; use cautiously in patients taking blood thinners.
• In theory, black haw may affect the uterus.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is not enough data to support the use of black haw during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions with Drugs

• Because of a potential effect on the uterus, black haw may interact with abortion-causing drugs. Black haw may also interact with drugs that have hormonal activity, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• Because it contains a substance similar to aspirin, black haw may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to aspirin and related compounds. It may also increase bleeding risk when taken with other blood thinners.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Because of a potential effect on the uterus, black haw may interact with abortion-causing herbs and supplements. Black haw may also interact with herbs and supplements that have hormonal activity, such as black cohosh.
• Because it contains a substance similar to aspirin, black haw may interact with herbs and supplements containing salicylates. It may also increase bleeding risk when taken with other blood thinners.

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

1. Baldini L, Brambilla G, Parodi S. [Research on the uterine action of viburnum prunifolium.] Arch Ital Sci Farmacol 1964;14:55-63.
2. Jarboe CH, Zirvi KA, Schmidt CM, et al. 1-methyl 2,3-dibutyl hemimellitate. A novel component of Viburnum prunifolium. J Org Chem 1969;34(12):4202-4203.
3. Tomassini L, Cometa FM, Foddai S, et al. Iridoid glucosides from viburnum prunifolium. Planta Med 1999;65(2):195.
4. Xu H, Fabricant DS, Piersen CE, et al. A preliminary RAPD-PCR analysis of Cimicifuga species and other botanicals used for women's health. Phytomedicine 2002;9(8):757-762.