Is white willow good for pain?
White Willow Bark A Natural Remedy For Headaches
- Banish Headache Pain–Including Migraine Headache. White willow bark works well not only for headache pain, but for the debilitating pain associated with migraine headaches.
- Proven Back Pain Relief. White willow bark is well proven against back pain. ...
- Excellent for Relieving Arthritis Pain. ...
- Freedom from Bursitis Pain. ...
What are the health benefits of white willow bark?
White willow bark is a natural pain reliever that contains a chemical called salicin. It works in similar ways as aspirin, which is why white willow bark benefits include decreasing inflammation, fevers, joint pain, headaches, menstrual cramps and more.
Is white willow bark the same as aspirin?
White willow bark is called “nature’s aspirin.” You can actually chew bits of white willow bark for pain relief; however, there are more modern ways to consume this healing agent, such as tinctures, powders, and teas. A typical dose of white willow bark is 240mgs each day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Is willow bark good for pain?
Willow bark, the bark of several varieties of willow tree, has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in the medicine made from willow bark is called salicin. Some people use willow bark as an alternative to aspirin, particularly those that experience chronic headaches or back pain.
How do you use willow bark for pain?
Liquid. Willow bark can also be found in a distilled tincture form. Taking a drop or two per day for pain relief (up to 2 milliliters) can work as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief substitute for aspirin.
Is willow bark safer than aspirin?
The multi-component active principle of willow bark provides a broader mechanism of action than aspirin and is devoid of serious adverse events. In contrast to synthetic aspirin, willow bark does not damage the gastrointestinal mucosa. An extract dose with 240 mg salicin had no major impact on blood clotting.
How long does it take for willow bark to work?
The pharmacokinetics of salicylic acid delivered from willow bark have been studied, and plasma half-life is approximately 2.5 hours. Another pharmacokinetic study of salicylic acid from salicin found peak levels within 2 hours after oral administration.
Is willow bark extract anti-inflammatory?
Abstract. Willow bark extract has been used for thousands of years as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic.
Is willow bark a natural painkiller?
The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In combination with the herb's powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds (called flavonoids), salicin is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
What are the side effects of willow bark?
It might cause diarrhea, heartburn, and vomiting in some people. It can also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to aspirin. Pregnancy: There isn't enough reliable information to know if willow bark is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Can willow bark raise blood pressure?
Common side-effects include: stomach upsets. increased blood pressure.
Does willow bark interact with any medications?
Willow bark may interact with any of the following: Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) -- Willow bark may strengthen the effects of drugs and herbs with blood-thinning properties. Beta blockers -- including Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA).
Is salicin a blood thinner?
blood thinner, it has also been used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. WHAT IS THE ACTIVE DRUG IN WILLOW BARK? structure of salicin is: WHAT HAVE STUDIES SHOWN?
What is willow bark good for?
Cures Fever: Willow bark is used traditionally since ages to cure a fever and cold. Drinking white willow tea 2-3 times a day is useful in treating mild fever, cold and flu. Helps Ease Menstrual Cramps: The pain relief property of willow bark is to help alleviate pain during menstruation.
Is willow bark good for hair?
The exfoliating properties of Willow Bark mean it is an essential for scalp exfoliation, helping to remove dirt and product build-up from the scalp and helping to shift dead skin cells. Willow Bark in hair products also helps to control excess sebum on the scalp, leaving strands looking healthy and balanced.
Can I use willow bark with vitamin C?
It is best to avoid retinol and vitamin C along with willow bark extract.
What is a natural alternative to aspirin?
Like aspirin, ginger works as a blood thinner which can prevent the formation of clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Ginger also reduces inflammation in the same way as aspirin by blocking COX-2 — the enzyme that promotes inflammation.
Is willow bark a blood thinner?
WHAT IS WILLOW BARK USED FOR? blood thinner, it has also been used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Does willow bark raise blood pressure?
Common side-effects include: stomach upsets. increased blood pressure.
Is aspirin from willow bark?
Willow bark has been used as a traditional medicine for more than 3500 years. Unknown to the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians who made use of it, the active agent within willow bark was salicin, which would later form the basis of the discovery of aspirin (Fig 1). Timeline of the discovery of aspirin.
Why is willow bark bad for you?
This is because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare condition that causes brain and liver damage. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are also discouraged from taking any medication that contains salicylates.
What is the bark of a willow tree?
Willow bark, the bark of several varieties of willow tree, has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in the medicine made from willow bark is called salicin. Some people use willow bark as an alternative to aspirin, particularly those that experience chronic headaches or back pain.
How long should I steep willow bark tea?
Tea. Some health food stores sell willow bark tea, advertising it as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Steep willow bark tea for two to three minutes in hot water. When consuming willow bark in this form, it’s hard to tell how much salicin you are getting in each serving of tea.
What is the active ingredient in willow bark?
The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin, but the accompanying flavonoids and plant particles might be part of what make willow bark effective. For this reason, some people prefer to actually chew on the unprocessed bark of the willow tree.
Where does willow come from?
It comes from the branches of 2- to 3-year-old willow trees. Willow trees and shrubs grow all over the world, except for Australia and Antarctica. The white willow and black willow are two of the most common willows that are used medicinally.
Can you use willow bark on stomach ulcers?
Willow bark can be used topically. Since it isn’t absorbed digestively, topical willow bark is a good alternative for those who commonly experience stomach ulcers. However, topical use can be harsh and cause skin irritation.
Does willow bark hurt your stomach?
The salicin in willow bark converts to salicylic acid. Some believe that this makes it gentler on your stomach than lab-created aspirin. Too much willow bark, however, can cause stomach cramping and bleeding.
What Is White Willow Bark?
White willow trees ( salix alba) grow a bark that contains the chemical called salicin, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
What is the antioxidant in white willow bark?
Antioxidant compounds called polyphenolic glycosides and flavonoids are also found in white willow bark (WWB). These have been shown to protect against oxidative stress and various symptoms tied to aging, such as poor physical performance, cognitive decline, etc.
How long does white willow bark extract last?
In extract form, it’s typically taken in doses ranging from 120–240 milligrams of salicin for at least six weeks. Although it’s generally safe, white willow bark extract taken in high doses can cause side effects including increased bleeding, skin rashes, itching and an upset stomach.
Why do people chew white willow bark?
Dating all the way back to the time of Hippocrates, people have chewed on white willow bark to help naturally dull pain and inflammation. Today we know from studies that willow bark has the capability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and increase antioxidant activity, including glutathione.
Can you take willow bark with aspirin?
Taking willow bark along with aspirin, beta blockers, diuretics or choline magnesium can increase the effects and contribute to side effects. It also shouldn’t be used with any other medication that slows blood clotting (anticoagulants), since this increases the risk for uncontrolled bleeding.
Does white willow bark help with mood?
While more formal research is needed to confirm how it may work to lift someone’s mood, energy and focus, it appears that white willow bark may have these effects due to its anti-inflammatory potential and ability to reduce oxidative stress — which can interfere with cognitive function.
Does white willow have more effect than aspirin?
The effects of white willow take longer than aspirin to kick in, but they tend to last longer and to cause fewer adverse reactions than aspirin side effects.
How much salicin is in willow bark?
In the first trial, 127 participants were randomised to receive willow bark (240 mg of salicin), 100 mg diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) or a placebo once a day for six weeks.
What is the bark of a salix tree used for?
The bark of some species of Salix trees has been used for treating inflammatory and arthritis-related conditions since ancient times. Extracts from the following species of Salix trees have been used as sources of willow: Salix pentandra (bay willow).
What family is willow medicine?
Family: Herbal medicine of the willow (Salicaceae) family
Is willow bark good for knee arthritis?
Two RCTs were found examining the effectiveness of willow bark in treating hip and knee osteoarthritis. Willow bark was well-tolerated by participants who received it in both RCTs. Lack of effectiveness was the most common reason for withdrawal.
Does willow bark help with pain?
Similar to acetylsalicylic, salicylic acid reduces the production of certain prostaglandins ( hormone-like substances that control your immune system and fight joint inflammation) in your nerves, and this eases pain and discomfort. Willow bark showed anti-inflammatory activity in several laboratory-based studies.
Can you take willow bark with aspirin?
You should use willow bark with caution if you have gastrointestinal and liver problems or diabetes. Like aspirin, you should also be careful if you take anticoagulants, acetazolamide, anti-hypertensives and anti-inflammatory drugs because willow bark interacts with these drugs. Common side-effects include:
What is this product used for?
Willow bark may be used to help with swelling, and muscle and joint pain, especially in people with arthritis. Others will use it to help lower fevers and symptoms of the common cold or flu. Some people believe willow bark may help with cancer, headache, menstrual cramps, and gout.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Consumer information use
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is white willow bark used for?
White willow bark comes from white willow trees and has been used as medicine for thousands of years. In fact, it was used in the era of Hippocrates, who was the Greek philosopher known as the “Father of Medicine.” White willow bark contains a compound called salicin that is comparable to aspirin. It’s used to relieve pain, and studies show it is effective in treating backaches, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Historically, people chewed on the bark to relieve pain and reduce fever. Today, you can find white willow bark in capsule and tincture forms and use it as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as to help treat chronic pain [1].
What are the antioxidants in white willow bark?
White willow bark contains several antioxidants, including salicin, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols.
Can you use white willow bark for colds?
Today, you can find white willow bark in capsule and tincture forms and use it as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as to help treat chronic pain [1]. 1. Reduces Inflammation. White willow bark can be used in place of aspirin and other drugs used to treat pain and chronic inflammation.
Is white willow bark good for pain?
White willow bark has been traditionally used to help reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, and current research suggests it’s as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs in treating pain. White willow bark is a source of cancer-fighting antioxidants and is a natural antidiarrheal.
Is white willow bark acetylsalicylic acid?
Buy Now! Your cart is currently empty. White willow bark is the ancestor of acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. It’s synthesized from the salicin found in white willow bark, which is a compound shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain killing effects.
Is white willow bark safe for menstrual cramps?
Meanwhile, white willow bark is shown to be equally effective but without long-term adverse effects, suggesting it may be a better alternative. However, white willow bark shouldn’t be taken in doses that are larger than recommended, because it can cause gastrointestinal damage in high amounts. White willow bark is not recommended for easing menstrual cramp pain because it may increase bleeding [14].
Does white willow bark help with arthritis?
White willow bark is shown to lower inflammation more effectively than celecoxib, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often prescribed to patients with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. One way it works is by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response. Through its antioxidant abilities, it also works by reducing oxidative stress, which is the damaging of cells that causes an inflammatory response [3].
What is willow bark tea good for?
This herbal tea is mainly used to get relief from joint pain. Let us look at the many health benefits of drinking willow bark tea. [5]
How To Make Willow Bark Tea?
You can buy white willow bark teabags from certain health food stores or online. However, if you have access to pre-cut white willow bark, you can make it at home quite easily.
How long to boil willow bark?
In a saucepan, take water and white willow bark. Boil it for 5-10 minutes. Turn the heat off. Let the willow bark steep for an additional 20-30 minutes. You can add a cinnamon stick in it for additional flavor. Strain the tea in teacups. The tea is bitter-tasting and you can use honey to sweeten it.
How much salicin is in white willow bark?
A 2014 report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggests that daily doses of white willow bark, equivalent to 120 mg to 240 mg salicin, are better than placebo for short-term improvements in pain and rescue medication.
Does salicin help with pain?
A report on willow bark by the PSH Milton Hershey Medical Center reveals that salicin has pain-relieving and anti- inflammatory properties. In fact, in the 1800s, salicin was used to make aspirin. [1]
Does bark extract help with arthritis?
Reduces Arthritic Pain. According to a 2015 Phytotherapy Research report, a small number of clinical studies have been conducted that support the use of the bark extract in chronic lower back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis. [8]
Can you drink willow bark tea while pregnant?
If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is best avoided. Children under 16 years of age should not be given this tea. Also, since willow bark tea may cause increased blood pressure, people on blood thinners should check with their doctor before having it. [10] [11]
What is willow bark used for?
Use of willow bark appears in traditional German medicine and naturopathy as a painkiller to address discomfort associated with rheumatism, knee and hip arthrosis, and back pain. In addition, willow bark acts as a headache natural remedy and moderates the severity of fevers.
Why is willow bark used for wet feet?
As a secondary application, and also consistent with the doctrine of signatures, willow bark was thought to address common health conditions related to wet feet, such as cold symptoms. Admittedly a stretch, the justification for this relationship came since the willow tree often grows in water, leaving the plant with “wet feet”.
What is the medicinal plant used by Hippocrates?
For example, Hippocrates used the medicinal plant for pain and fever. Records show other pioneers in medicine, such as Dioscorides, Pliny and Celsius used willow bark. Willow bark was also known as a popular medicinal plant among indigenous peoples of North America, South Africa, and Asia.
How many willow trees are there in the world?
The willow, a tree with healing power. Approximately 450 willow species exist worldwide. These species include dwarf shrubs, as little as three centimeters in size, along with other giant trees, growing up to 30 meters high. Each variety of willow tree integrates perfectly into its respective habitat.
Can you use willow bark for pain?
Many people use willow bark for a few days to address acute pain, then consider it ineffective, and stop using it altogether. The transformation of salicin takes place slowly in the body, and therefore cannot match the pace of synthetic painkillers. Like many Hildegard remedies, slow medicine and patience accelerates healing.
Does willow bark cause pain?
Recurring inflammation leads to pain, swelling, redness and often a burning sensation. Researchers have investigated the use of willow bark extract in treating osteoarthritis.
Is willow bark a diuretic?
Records of monastic medicine describe the effects of willow bark as a sweat-inducing, pain-relieving diuretic. Willow bark also gained acceptance for relieving mild arthrosis and inflammatory rheumatic conditions.
What is white willow bark extract good for?
Benefits of White Willow Bark Extract. Pain Relief. White willow bark may be able to act as a natural alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen for different types of pain, including headache, backache, joint pain and arthritis.
What is white willow bark used for?
White willow bark has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. In fact, it dates back centuries in Europe and China, where people used it to relieve pain, fight inflammation and reduce fever. White willows have an inner and outer bark, each of which contain different amounts of medicinal compounds ( x ).
How long is white willow bark good for?
Side Effects of White Willow Bark Extract. Generally, white willow bark extract may be safe for most people in moderation for a short time, up to three months. There are potential side effects, but they are generally mild. Excessive doses can cause similar side effects as aspirin.
Can white willow bark cause diarrhea?
Excessive doses can cause similar side effects as aspirin. White willow bark extract may cause stomach upset, nausea and diarrhea. It may also cause ulcers, liver toxicity and kidney damage ( x, x ). It is possible to have an allergic reaction to this supplement that may cause rash or itching.
Is white willow bark good for acne?
Salicylic acid is a common treatment for mild to moderate acne and it is potentially more effective than benzoyl peroxide. White willow bark contains salicylic acid and though the exact mechanism is unclear, the body converts salicin into salicylic acid, providing a natural acne treatment ( x ).
Does aspirin help with strokes?
Although there are health risks, the American Heart Association states that aspirin may prevent heart attacks and strokes in low-doses. Aspirin works as a blood thinner and reduces the risk of internal blood clots. Because willow bark extract is similar to aspirin, it may offer similar benefits ( x ).
Does white willow bark help with osteoarthritis?
White willow bark extract may also be able to slow the onset and progression of osteoarthritis because its bioactive compounds inhibit enzymes and hormones that can regulate inflammatory responses ( x ). White willow bark extract may even help patients lose weight.
Uses
Name
- It comes from the branches of 2- to 3-year-old willow trees. Willow trees and shrubs grow all over the world, except for Australia and Antarctica. The white willow and black willow are two of the most common willows that are used medicinally.
Risks
- When taken in moderation, willow bark does not appear to have negative side effects. The salicin in willow bark converts to salicylic acid. Some believe that this makes it gentler on your stomach than lab-created aspirin. Too much willow bark, however, can cause stomach cramping and bleeding. There are some people who should not use willow bark. If you have an allergy to aspiri…
Diet
- The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin, but the accompanying flavonoids and plant particles might be part of what make willow bark effective. For this reason, some people prefer to actually chew on the unprocessed bark of the willow tree. It is difficult to determine how much salicin you are getting from each piece of bark, so this method of consumption should be approached with c…
Medical uses
- When used on people with lower back pain, willow bark was found to be more effective than placebo in a recent herbal medicine review. Conclusive data that contrasts willow bark to traditional aspirin is needed. However, if youre looking for an alternative to aspirin, you could consider willow bark.
Prevention
- Children and adolescents up to the age of 16 are generally discouraged from taking willow bark for any reason. This is because of the risk of Reyes syndrome, a rare condition that causes brain and liver damage. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are also discouraged from taking any medication that contains salicylates. People with gastric ulcers should be especially careful with …
Research
- Even though it is used widely, very few clinical trials have been done to verify the effectiveness of willow bark. Preliminary studies do show that there are some health benefits, and that certain species of willow contain higher concentrations of salicin and flavonoids than others.
Side effects
- In the studies that have been done, the risks and side effects seem fairly minimal. And there are centuries of study and use of aspirin, which gets its active ingredient from willow bark.
Treatment
- Willow bark has been shown to help relieve some mild discomforts. But more research is needed to fully understand how it differs from aspirin. While it may be an effective alternative to aspirin for some, talk to your doctor before choosing to take willow bark.
Distribution and habitat
- Most willows are found in temperate and arctic zones. They are geographically distributed in all continents except Antarctica and Australia. Willows include small trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, and many species are dioecious with male and female catkins (flowers) on separate plants. The catkins are cylindrical in shape, measuring 6 to 7 cm in length. The male fl…
Names
- Willow also is known as weidenrinde, white willow (S. alba), purple osier willow/basket willow (S. purpurea), and crack willow (S. fragilis).
History
- The medicinal use of willow dates back 6,000 years. Ancient civilizations used willow tree extracts to treat pain, inflammation, and musculoskeletal conditions.
Uses
- Willow bark can be an effective pain reliever if the salicylate content is adequate. Anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity has been documented in limited trials. Clinical trials have shown that willow has moderate efficacy in treating lower back pain but very little efficacy in treating arthritic conditions.
Availability
- Willow is available in several dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, powder, and liquid. Willow bark has been used for pain relief at daily doses of 1 to 3 g of bark, which corresponds to salicin 60 to 120 mg. A clinical study of patients with lower back pain used willow bark at a dose of salicin 120 to 240 mg/day. A proprietary extract of willow bark, Assalix, was standardized to contain 15…
Contraindications
- Patients with known hypersensitivity to aspirin should avoid any willow-containing product. This caution also applies to patients with asthma, impaired clotting, vitamin K antagonistic treatment, diabetes, gout, kidney or liver conditions, peptic ulcer disease, and in any other medical conditions in which aspirin is contraindicated. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and la…
Interactions
- In general, drug interactions associated with salicylates may apply to willow-containing products. Therefore, avoid use with alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives, and other salicylate-containing products because of additive irritant effects and adverse reactions on the GI tract and blood clotting. Willow may also interact with oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), seizure medications (eg…
Symptoms
- Primarily GI discomfort, such as nausea and stomachache, as well as dizziness and rash. An anaphylactic reaction to willow bark has been reported.
Toxicity
- There is little or no toxicity information on the use of willow bark. However, the same toxicity associated with salicylates applies to willow. Patients should monitor for blood in stools, tinnitus, nausea or vomiting, and stomach or kidney irritation.
Resources
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.