Viburnum Prunifolium

Black haw. Viburnum prunifolium. The bark of this tree was employed in American domestic medication during the first part of the nineteenth century. The first authentic reference we have observed is in the American Family Physician, by Professor John King, M. D. (356), 1857, where the drug is described and the statement made that it acts as a uterine tonic, its uses being practically those now recorded in medical literature. In 1860 Dr. I. J. M. Goss (New Preparations, 1878, p. 61) commended the drug, probably brought to his attention through the writings of King, as well, possibly, as from its local employment in his part of the South. He introduced it into his own practice and commended it to his professional friends. From this date black haw grew rapidly in favor, and through repeated publications, in medical as well as pharmaceutical literature, came into extensive demand, being finally given a position in the Pharmacopeia of the United States.

The History of the Vegetable Drugs of the U.S.P., 1911, was written by John Uri Lloyd.