What is Willow Bark?
Willow Bark is the outer shell of the Willow tree. It has been
consumed medicinally by ancient Greek and Egyptian physicians for
centuries. It was not until 1829 when scientists discovered its active
ingredient salicin which has similar health effects as acetylsalicylic
acid (aspirin), that the medicinal use of Willow Bark in ancient times
was substantiated. It also contains tannins, glycosides, catechins and
flavonoids. There are many types of Willow barks such as Crack Willow,
Purple Willow (Salix purpurea), Violet Willow (Salix daphnoides), Black
Willow (Salix nigra), Wheeping Willow, and European Willow or White
Willow (Salix alba). However, among all these species of Willow, most
commonly, bark of White Willow tree and occasionally Purple Willow and
Crack Willow is used for therapeutic purposes. Studies suggest that
analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Willow Bark shows its
effects slowly but the effectiveness may last longer than aspirin. The
salicin in Willow bark is converted into salicylic acid after it is
absorbed by the stomach, therefore, it may not cause stomach irritation
like aspirin and can be a great option for treating minor to severe
ailments.
What are the Benefits of Willow Bark?
Studies and researches identify that Willow Bark has anti-inflammatory,
antipyretic, antiseptic, anti-oxidant, analgesic, and immune boosting
capability. Therefore, it has been used in the treatment of a number of
minor to severe ailments such as headache, toothache, backache,
osteoarthritis, PMS, menstrual cramps, muscular pains and strains,
cardiovascular disorders, cuts, wounds, burns, colds, flu, fever, and
rheumatory and inflammatory disorders, i.e. bursitis, arthritis, painful
articular (joint) conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis.
Due to its nutritional and healing properties many European countries
(Germany, France, England) have approved Willow Bark for pain and
rheumatic conditions. Also its extract has been approved by the European
Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) to be used in the
treatment of mild rheumatic disorders, pain and fever.
Uses of Willow Bark
Back Ache
A study designed to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity
of Willow Bark found that patients suffering from Back Ache who took
willow bark capsules with 225mg to 240mg of salicin were relieved from
back ache within 3 weeks of its regular consumption. Therefore, regular
consumption of Willow Bark extract that contains 225mg to 240mg of
salicin may be beneficial for back, neck and muscle pains.
Fever
White Willow Bark has long been used in the treatment of fever
associated with cold and flu. Taking one capsule of Willow Bark twice
daily may help with mild fevers related to cold and flu. Or drinking one
cup of Willow Bark tea 2-3 times daily may be beneficial.
Heart Attacks
Studies suggest that taking small amount of aspirin may reduce the risk
of internal clotting and hence can play a significant role in reducing
the stroke and heart attack risks. Therefore, by drinking one cup of
White Willow Bark tea once or twice daily, aspirin like activity of the
bark may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people high at
risk.
Migraines
Studies have shown that low dose aspirin may help reduce the migraine
headache attacks. Simply drinking one cup of Willow Bark tea regularly
may be beneficial for Migraine headaches.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
A German study shows that people with osteoarthritis who took Willow
Bark extract providing 240mg of salicin for two weeks had 14% reduced
pain levels. Therefore, for people who have mild to medium rheumatic
disorders and are at risk of Osteoarthritis, taking 240mg of White
Willow Bark extract regularly can suppress the progression and onset of
the disease.
PMS and Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual Cramps are usually caused by the inflammation of uterine
lining and contractions induced by a hormone like chemical
prostaglandins. Studies suggest that natural components of Willow Bark
may help with Menstrual Cramps and PMS symptoms by regulating the
production of prostaglandins and reducing the inflammation. Simply drink
one cup of Willow Bark tea two to three times daily starting a couple
of days before the start of menstrual cycle. It may also help alleviate
back ache, headache and legs pain associated with menses. To make Willow
Bark tea simply soak one teaspoon of ground White Willow Bark in a cold
cup of water for eight hours. Strain out the tea and add honey or sugar
to minimize the bitter taste. Willow Bark can be refrigerated for no
more than 48 hours since it loses its effectiveness when kept for longer
hours.
Toothache
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Willow Bark may help
with toothache. Simply, chew on a small piece of White Willow Bark or
rub its powder on to the affected area. Drinking Willow Bark tea may add
to the effectiveness of the herb. For inflamed gums gargling with
Willow Bark tea every night before going to bed may be beneficial.
What are the Side Effects of Willow Bark?
Willow Bark should be avoided if you are allergic to aspirin since both
of them share the same key ingredient- salicin. It is not recommended
for nursing and pregnant mothers, people with chronic ulcers, Crohn's
disease, colitis, kidney disease, and asthma as well as for children
under 16 since it may cause Rye's Syndrome in them. The over dose of
Willow Bark may cause similar problems as the overdose of Aspirin does,
however, its effects seem to be milder than the Aspirin. Willow Bark's
over dose may cause skin rash, stomach irritation, kidney inflammation,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tinnitus/ringing in the ears. If you are
taking herbs such as Ginkgo and Garlic, or any Diuretics, Platelet
Inhibitors, Anticoagulants or are on any medication that contains
Bismuth Subsalicylates, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS),
Metoclopramide, and Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, you should not take
Willow Bark in any form.
Where and How to Buy Willow Bark
Willow Bark is available in herbal food stores in the form of dry bark
pieces, extracts, pills, capsules, powders, tinctures and teas. When
buying Willow Bark, make sure that it is produced by a reliable and well
reputed company. Most commonly, White Willow Bark is used for
therapeutic purposes. In order to regulate daily dosage of the herb,
usually Willow Bark extracts or capsules are suggested.
