In the 1800s, women with menstrual pain couldn't reach for Midol. Instead, they drank a tea made from Black Haw bark. This "uterine tonic," first written about in 1857, was also reputed to prevent miscarriage and ease the pain that follows childbirth.

Women in the know still use Black Haw tea to relieve menstrual cramps. "It contains substances that relax the uterus," says Glenn S. Rothfield, M.D., clinical instructor in the department of community health at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Black Haw also contains salicin, a pain reliever that functions much like aspirin.

In the Northern United States, Black Haw is a deciduous spreading shrub with reddish-brown bark. In the South, it's a small tree. Black Haw grows best in rich, moist soil under full sun but tolerates poorer soil and partial shade as long as it gets adequate moisture. To collect its bark for medicinal uses, harvest branch bark in summer, or trunk bark in fall. Dry the bark in the shade before using.

To make a tea from Black Haw bark, use 1 ounce of herb per pint of freshly boiled distilled water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, and strain. Drink a cup 2-3 times a day. This beverage:

• Relieves menstrual cramps: Such cramps are caused by uterine contractions. Tea made from Black Haw bark eases the pain because it contains substances that relax the uterus, preventing contractions.
• Soothes head pain and reduces fever: The salicin in Black Haw is related to aspirin, and may act in a similar way to reduce fever and relieve general aches & pains.
• May prevent miscarriage: This herb has been used for centuries to prevent miscarriage. However, because of certain dangers associated with this practice, our sources say to proceed with extreme caution: "I would not encourage women to use Black Haw, or other herbs, to prevent miscarriage unless they are under the care of someone who has expertise in treating with herbs," says Dr. Rothfield.

For healthy, non-pregnant adults, Black Haw is considered generally safe. However, since aspirin is a risk for birth defects in the early stages of pregnancy, the aspirin-like compound found in Black Haw bark may be hazardous, as well. Bottom line: Pregnant women shouldn't take this - or any herb - for health or healing without the consent of their obstetrician.

Also, parents should never give Black Haw to children under age 16 suffering from fevers related to colds, flu or chicken pox. That's because the salicin in it may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal childhood disease.

Whenever taking Black Haw, discontinue use if you get an upset stomach, or experience ringing in your ears.

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