what is white willow bark extract used 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 ...
• Inflammation. ...
• Weight Loss. ...
• Immune Support. ...
• Heart Attack Prevention. ...
• Alleviate Menstrual Cramps. ...
• Clearer Skin. ...

Full Answer

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.

Does white willow bark interact with ibuprofen?

Willow bark may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Diuretics (water pills)-- Willow bark may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-- including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Taking willow bark with these drugs may increase risk of stomach bleeding.

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 side effects of willow bark?

• Menstrual cramps
• Fever
• Flu
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Cancer

Can I take white willow bark every day?

Willow bark has most often been used by adults in doses providing 120-240 mg of salicin by mouth daily for up to 6 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

Is white willow bark good for arthritis?

Its active ingredient, salicin, reduces the production of pain-inducing chemicals in your nerves. Limited evidence suggests that willow bark may have a moderate effect in treating pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

How long does it take for white 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.

How much white willow bark can you take in a day?

Capsules. Willow bark can be purchased from many drugstores and almost any health food store in a powdered, encapsulated form. The recommended dose for pain relief is 240 milligrams a day.

Does willow bark have side effects?

However, stomach upset, ulcers, nausea, vomiting, and stomach bleeding are potential side effects of all compounds containing salicylates. Overdoses of willow bark may cause skin rash, stomach inflammation/irritation, nausea, vomiting, kidney inflammation, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Does white 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 white willow a blood thinner?

White willow contains a substance (salicine) that is converted by the body into a salicylate similar to the blood-thinner aspirin. Over the last twenty years, another use for aspirin has emerged connected with the discovery of its anti-thrombotic action.

Is Willow bark better 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.

Is Willow bark the same as salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) found in the bark of the willow tree, and is derived from the metabolism of salicin – an anti-inflammatory agent produced from willow bark. Today salicylic acid is commonly biosynthesized for widespread use, instead of being sourced naturally from willow bark.

Does Willow Bark help with weight loss?

Promotes Weight Loss: White willow bark enhances the activity of other supplemental ingredients and increases body metabolism that promotes weight loss. Many weight loss supplements are mixed with white willow extracts for better results.

Is white willow bark good for the heart?

Medical research shows that a chemical in white willow (called salicin) not only reduces fever and relieves pain and inflammation but also may help prevent heart attack, stroke, digestive tract cancers, and migraine headaches.

Is white 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.

What are the benefits of willow bark?

Miracle Tree: 6 Health Benefits Of Willow Bark To Get You Chomping At The BitAlleviates Acne. ... Reduces Headaches. ... Eases Lower Back Pain. ... Reduces Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Pain. ... Prevents Heart Attacks. ... Soothes Menstrual Cramps.

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?

Is salicin an aspirin?

The major active ingredient of willow bark, salicin, was the original source of aspirin. It appears to inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway. Other components of willow bark may have other antiinflammatory properties. Willow bark seems to inhibit platelet aggregation, but not as much as aspirin.

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.

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.

Is white willow bark a natural remedy?

White willow bark extract comes in many forms, including powder, pills, capsules, extracts, teas and tinctures. Pills and capsules offer convenience, but the powdered form is more economical and makes it easier to control the dosage. Benefits of White Willow Bark Extract. Pain Relief. White willow bark may be able to act as a natural alternative ...

Is willow bark a precursor to aspirin?

When the body consumes salicin, it transforms into salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin. People have used white willow bark medicinally for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that chemists discovered a way to make a synthetic version of the molecule called acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. Similar to aspirin, white willow bark extract may help alleviate inflammation in the body and reduce pain, impacting the joints, digestive system and respiratory system ( x ).

Is willow bark good for you?

It also offers many other potential benefits including calming an upset stomach, healing skin and it may even help with weight loss. Willow bark extract has a range of side effects and potentially negative interactions, so anyone looking to add it to a supplement regimen should consult a doctor about their dosage. It is generally safe, but those with blood disorders, kidney disease or a sensitivity to aspirin should not use it. There is not enough research to determine if it is safe for pregnant or nursing women. Even though white willow bark may have health benefits, it is not a replacement for medical treatment and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting a supplement regimen.

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.

What is the chemical in willow bark?

Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin that is similar to aspirin.

What is the bark of a willow tree?

Willow bark is the bark from several varieties of the willow tree , including white willow or European willow, black willow or pussy willow, crack willow, purple willow, and others. The bark is used to make medicine. Willow bark acts a lot like aspirin. It's most commonly used for pain and fever.

How long is willow bark good for?

Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Willow bark is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken for up to 12 weeks. It may cause headaches, stomach upset, and digestive system upset.

Does willow bark contain aspirin?

Taking willow bark along with choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). Salsalate (Disalcid) is called a salicylate. It's similar to aspirin. Willow bark also contains a salicylate similar to aspirin.

Can you take willow bark if you have kidney disease?

This might lead to kidney failure in some people. If you have kidney disease, don't use willow bark. Sensitivity to aspirin: People with ASTHMA, STOMACH ULCERS, DIABETES, GOUT, HEMOPHILIA, HYPOPROTHROMBINEMIA, or KIDNEY or LIVER DISEASE might be sensitive to aspirin and also willow bark.

Does Willow Bark slow blood clotting?

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with WILLOW BARK. Willow bark might slow blood clotting. Taking willow bark along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Does willow bark help with osteoarthritis?

Research on willow bark extract for osteoarthritis has produced conflicting results. Some research shows it can reduce osteoarthritis pain. In fact, there is some evidence suggesting that willow bark extract works as well as conventional medications for osteoarthritis. But other research shows no benefit.

Who Should Use Willow Bark Extract?

Willow bark extract comes with a plethora of skin-care benefits and can be effectively used by most people . You can benefit from the usage of this ingredient if you have the following:

What Is Willow Bark Extract & Why Is It So Good For Your Skin?

Although the white willow is the most popular choice when it comes to skin care, the other varieties such as the black or purple willow are also used to prepare willow bark extract.The bark of the mature willow tree is harvested usually in the spring and cut into strips. The inner part of the bark is then processed to obtain the aqueous extract which has several medicinal and cosmetic properties.

What Combinations Does/Doesn’t Willow Bark Work Well With?

Thus it can be used in combination with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as lactic acid, glycolic acid etc. to boost their exfoliating properties.

What percentage of willow bark is used in skin care products?

Most skin care products in the market use a concentration of 2.5 to 5 percent of willow bark extract in their formulations. Salicylic acid can also be processed from salicin and other salicylates present in this herbal extract.

What is a sulfate extract used for?

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, this extract is also used as an ingredient in many skin care products such as face wash, face packs, moisturizers, toners, etc.

What are tannins used for?

Tannins are astringents that tighten your skin and help to reduce the size of your skin pores. They also control excess oil production which reduces the blackheads and whiteheads on your skin. They also help in controlling excessive sweat secretion.

What are the phytochemicals that kill germs?

These phytochemicals (derived from plants) are potent antioxidants which scavenge the free radicals present in the skin, preventing DNA damage, which may lead to skin cancer. [ 3] Polyphenols also kill germs and fight inflammation, thus helping to alleviate many skin disorders.

What Is White Willow Bark?

Most willows are available in arctic and temperate zones. They are geographically distributed in all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Willows have small trees, groundcovers, and shrubs, and many species are dioecious with female and male catkins (flowers) on the separate plants. The catkins have cylindrical shapes, measuring 6 – 7 cm in length. The female flowers are green while the male flowers are yellow. People often collect young branches (2 – 3 years of age) in the early spring for medicinal uses. To know more about the health benefits of white willow bark, uses, and side effects, keep reading! There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

How much salicin is in white willow bark?

Studies show that a daily dose of 120 to 240 mg of salicin equivalent white willow bark offers short-term relief from low back pain [7].

How to get rid of pain from willow bark?

The salicin present in white willow bark can relieve pain effectively and naturally [3] [4]. You may add 1/2 tablespoon of dried willow bark to 1 cup of water, give it a boil, cover it, let it steep for about 15 minutes, strain, and have it immediately. Repeat this method daily to get the best results.

How to treat toothache with white willow?

Simply, chew on a white willow bark piece or rub its powder onto the affected area. You may also drink willow bark tea to get the effectiveness of this herb.

What happens when you take bark?

When you take the bark internally, the microorganisms of your intestine will convert these compounds into saligenin. Then, saligenin will be oxidized in the liver & blood, producing salicylic acid. Salicylic acid may relieve pain by hindering the prostaglandins synthesis in the sensory nerves.

How long before your period should you take a bark tea?

Or, you may also use its oil or pills to soothe menstrual cramps. You should take it 1 or more weeks before starting your period.

Can you take white willow bark tea with aspirin?

You can replace aspirin with white willow bark to treat back pain [5] [6]. When taken by mouth, aspirin is transformed into salicylic acid in the body, which is responsible for giving you relief from pain. In a similar manner, salicin, a natural component in white willow bark, is converted into salicylic acid when it is in your body. Studies show that a daily dose of 120 to 240 mg of salicin equivalent white willow bark offers short-term relief from low back pain [7]. To make a willow bark tea for back pain, click at Natural Home Remedies For Back Pain Relief (Remedy no. 15)

What Is Willow Bark Extract?

Willow bark extract is an important skincare ingredient produced from the bark of the white willow tree. It shows up in skincare ingredient lists as salix alba extract, as that is the latin name of the tree. The white willow tree is native to Europe as well as Western and Central Asia.

How to Choose Willow Bark Extract Skin Products?

Based on your skin type and concern , this is how you choose the right willow bark products for you:

How long does willow bark sit in water?

Usually, the extract is produced through an alcohol solution. The willow bark sits in a solution that includes alcohol and water for a few days – the whole tincture might even be blended together. After a few days of being saturated, all of the beneficial compounds that are in the willow bark end up in the liquid.

Can you use willow bark extract on your skin?

There are no side effects to applying willow bark extract to your skin topically, as it is a simple, skin-soothing ingredient that doesn’t have any adverse effects. Since it is a natural extract, some people might be allergic to it. This means that, as with any new skincare product, you should first test it on your forearm or inner arm just to ensure that you don’t have an allergy.

Can willow bark extract be used topically?

While this is true when salicylic acid is consumed , there is no evidence that this can occur when willow bark extract is applied topically.

Is willow bark a substitute for salicylic acid?

Despite some similarities between the two ingredients, willow bark is not the all-natural version or replacement of salicylic acid.

Does willow bark help with inflammation?

In skin care, willow bark extract’s main activity is as an anti-inflammatory, but it also has antioxidant capabilities. Willow bark extract includes high amounts of salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid with potent anti-inflammatory abilities that means it is able to instantly minimize the swelling, redness, and pain of acne blemishes.

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 drugs thin blood?

Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or enoxaparin (Lovenox). Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase (Activase), reteplase (Retavase), or streptokinase.

What Is Willow Bark Extract?

Willow bark extract (or what Petrillo refers to as nature’s aspirin) is derived from various willow bark trees, including white, black, and purple. The ingredient is a natural salicin source, which is where the powerful acne-fighting ingredient that you're likely more familiar with, salicylic acid, comes from. Petrillo explains that, because of the salicin, willow bark extract has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (which improves the appearance of pores and fine lines, Levin adds). Not only does it have a rich supply of salicin, but as the skin experts point out, willow bark extract also has high concentrations of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other minerals that help calm the skin and aid in cell regeneration. Because all of these ingredients allow for a more refreshed, youthful complexion, it makes sense why you might find willow bark extract included in all kinds of skincare products, like cleansers, moisturizers, toners, masks, and more.

Does Petrillo use willow bark?

To boost the exfoliating and skin-cleansing benefits of willow bark extract, Petrillo recommends using products with salicylic acid, too. Don't use with: "Willow bark is commonly used in ...

Can you use willow bark extract on sensitive skin?

However, Levin says it's generally low-risk and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Does willow bark contain salicylic acid?

Remember: Willow bark contains salicin, which is where salicylic acid comes from. The salicylic acid found in skincare products is the metabolized derivative, Petrillo explains. "Willow bark extract has been shown to produce similar results to synthetic salicylic acid, except without some of the drawbacks," Petrillo continues. "Even in small concentrations of 0.5% to 1%, salicylic acid may cause irritation, redness, flaking, and dryness. Those with sensitive skin may actually break out more because of salicylic acid." On the other hand, salicin in willow bark extract is a much gentler version of salicylic acid. "Studies have found that even at a level of 100%, which is equivalent to 10% formulation of salicylic acid, salicin is non-irritating," Petrillo adds.

Does willow bark extract make pores smaller?

Refines pores: As mentioned, willow bark extract is rich in tannins, which are natural astringents. Petrillo says this helps to keep the skin tight and makes the pores appear smaller.

Does willow bark help with redness?

Calms redness: Because of salicin's anti-inflammatory properties, Petrillo says it can also help alleviate redness and irritation. Refines pores: As mentioned, willow bark extract is rich in tannins, which are natural astringents. Petrillo says this helps to keep the skin tight and makes the pores appear smaller.

Is willow bark good for skin?

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, willow bark extract offers more than few skin benefits worth noting: Gently exfoliates: Petrillo explains that thanks to the salicin, willow bark extract can provide a gentle exfoliation to reveal more radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Where to Buy Willow Bark?

Willow bark is a popular supplement and is fairly easy to find. Make sure you choose a brand which lists which species of willow was used to make the medicine. If you are using willow bark as an alternative to aspirin, then you’ll also want to choose a product which is standardized so you know exactly how much salicin you are getting.

How much salicin is in willow bark?

Many willow bark capsules are standardized to contain 60mg of salicin. The dosage is usually two capsules taken two times per day to give a total of 240mg of salicin. However, some sources recommend taking two to three 379mg willow bark capsules every 3-6 hours.

Can you take willow bark powder in smoothies?

It is much easier to take willow bark as an extract. Powders can be mixed in smoothies to hide the taste but the taste is still bad. For this reason, the powder is usually put in capsules but the downside is that they are more expensive.

Is willow bark the same as aspirin?

By contrast, willow bark contains salicin and numerous antioxidants and health-promoting compounds. This is why willow bark is linked to a wide array of health benefits that you wouldn’t get from aspirin alone.

Does willow bark help with acne?

( 4, 5, 6 ). Willow bark has also recently become very popular for treating acne and is found in many skin products.

Is willow bark good for you?

Like many ancient medicines, modern scientific research backs up the benefits of willow bark. Not only is willow bark as effective as aspirin, it has many other benefits which make it a good natural remedy for various ailments. ( 1, 2)

Is willow bark safe for pregnant women?

There have been no studies on willow bark side effects in children or pregnant and breastfeeding women. Because of this, willow bark isn’t recommended for these groups. ( 12, 13, 14)

What is white willow bark extract?

The White Willow Bark Extract has long been used for centuries in treating irritated skin, as it is known to have salicin.

Why is white willow bark used in fat burners?

What’s great about the white willow bark is that its effects can last longer when compared to aspirin and it is for this reason why it is being added to fat burners .

How much pain does willow bark have?

Both groups of people were suffering from osteoarthritis. After about a couple weeks of treatment, those who belong to the willow bark group has a 14% pain score compared to only 2% of the placebo group.

How long does it take for white willow bark to work?

However, you will only notice significant improvement after about a week of using the extract.

When to stop taking willow bark?

If you are scheduled for surgery, you must stop taking the willow bark at least two weeks prior to the scheduled day of your surgery in order to prevent excessive bleeding. It must also not be used by hemophiliacs or those who are suffering from bleeding disorders.

Is willow bark good for osteoarthritis?

Several studies have shown that the willow bark is more effective in reducing pain brought about by osteoarthritis when compared to a placebo.

Does willow bark help with arthritis?

Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that the willow bark extract could cure all sorts of pain disorders, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, k nee pain, lower back pain, and headache. Others have also claimed that it helps them to effectively lose weight.

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