Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)

Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) is a member of the Adoxaceae family, native to Eastern North America, United States, and Eastern United States. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Sweet Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Sweet Viburnum
Scientific Name	Viburnum prunifolium
Plant Family	Adoxaceae
Genus	Viburnum
Species	prunifolium
Native Range	Eastern North America, United States, Eastern United States
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Viburnum prunifolium
Common Name: Sweet Viburnum
Synonyms / Alternative Names: American Cranberrybush, Red Honeysuckle, Blackhaw
Plant Family: Adoxaceae
Genus: Viburnum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial shrub.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Oval-shaped leaves with smooth margins, upper surface dull green, lower surface lighter green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are cymes with actinomorphic flowers having five white petals and five yellow stamens arranged in a single layer.
Stems: Erect, branched, woody, with opposite leaf scars and pith that is white and central.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Astringent: Commonly referenced as a calming astringent, in structural-support contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a warming tonic, for foundational support.
Carminative: Traditionally described as a gentle carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.