Cramp Bark cut, wildcrafted

In Ukraine the red-berried kalyna is sung about in folk songs as a symbol of a girl’s beauty, of love, and of the homeland itself.

Origin & Traditional Use

Cramp bark is the bark of Viburnum opulus, the guelder rose, a shrub of damp woods and hedgerows across Europe and northern Asia. As the English name suggests, the bark was traditionally used for muscle cramps, and the bitter red berries were cooked into preserves in Eastern Europe.

Uses by Tradition

Witchcraft & Folk Magick

• Love and union: drawing on Slavic custom, add the bark to love sachets and work for a lasting partnership.
• Easing tension: keep a pouch in the home or burn a pinch to relax a strained atmosphere between family members.

A Simple Working

• Set out a pink candle, a teaspoon of cramp bark and a teaspoon of rose petals.
• Write the names of the two people you wish to bring into harmony on a slip of paper.
• Place the paper under the candle holder.
• Sprinkle the bark and rose petals around the base of the candle.
• Light the candle and speak your intention for peace between them.
• Let it burn down, then keep the paper and herbs together in a pouch in a shared room.

Pairs Well With

• Rose petals, for love and affection.
• Lavender, for peace in the home.
• A pink candle, for gentle love workings.

Lore & History

In Ukrainian and wider Slavic tradition, kalyna branches and berries decorated the korovai, the round wedding loaf, and embroidered kalyna appears on traditional towels and shirts. The plant stands for maidenhood, love and family roots.

What You Receive

Cut and dried wildcrafted cramp bark, available in 1 oz, 2 oz and 1 lb.