Black Haw

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Precautions
• Dosing

Black haw is a shrub that is native to the woodlands of central and southern North America. People use the root bark and its extracts to make medicine.

Black haw is used for increasing urine (as a diuretic) to relieve fluid retention; and for treating diarrhea, spasms, and asthma. It is also used as a tonic.

Women use black haw for treating menstrual cramps and spasms of the uterus after childbirth; and for preventing miscarriage.

How does it work?

Black haw contains a chemical that might relax the uterus.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Diarrhea.
• Asthma.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Spasms of the uterus (womb) following childbirth.
• Increasing urine production.
• Preventing miscarriage.
• Other conditions.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Black haw stem bark is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in food amounts. Black haw root bark is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth as a medicine. So far, no side effects have been reported.

It's also best to avoid using black haw if you are breast-feeding. Not enough is known about its safety.

Aspirin allergy: Black haw contains chemicals called salicylates. There is some concern that these salicylates could trigger an allergic reaction in people with asthma or aspirin allergies.

Kidney stones: Because black haw contains oxalic acid, it might increase stone formation in people with a history of kidney stones.

The appropriate dose of black haw for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for black haw. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.