White willow has seen use for thousands of years, going back to the time of Hippocrates, whose patients were advised to chew on its bark to reduce fevers and inflammation. It has seen traditional use as a pain reliever for conditions such as osteoarthritis and headaches, and for reduction of fevers.
How It Works
The inner bark of the willow tree contains salicin, which is converted into salicytic acid once inside the body.
The compound found in aspirin, acetysalicylic acid, is derived from salicylic acid.
In fact, herbalists use willow bark in much the same manner as aspirin, to reduce fevers and relieve pain but without many of the side effects associated with these pain relievers, such as stomach irritation.
Also, unlike aspirin, it does not increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
It works to minimize pain by blocking the production of inflammatory prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that are involved with inflammation and muscle contraction.
However, it is slower than aspirin in bringing about pain relief, but its effects will last longer.
In one four-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study of 210 individuals with back pain, two doses of the extract of this herb were compared against a placebo. One group was given 240 mg of salicin daily, while another group received 120 mg daily.
39% of those receiving the higher dosage of this herb saw pain relief for a minimum of five days of the final week of the study. 21% of those given the lower dosage of white willow experienced pain relief.
Only 6% of those in the placebo group were pain-free.
Additionally, there have been several studies indicating that it is more effective for relieving painful arthritis than a placebo. In one of these studies, 78 individuals with arthritis that were given this herb, experienced significant pain relief compared to those receiving a placebo.
When taken at standard dosages, evidence suggests it is the equivalent of 50 mg of aspirin.
Other Conditions It Is Effective Against
As an alternative to aspirin, here are some other conditions it may be effective against:
Bursitis
Fever
Flu
Headaches
Hemorrhoids - mixed with aloe vera juice and applied externally
Menstrual cramps
Tendonitis
Recommended Dosage
Recommended dosage guidelines for white willow are as follows:
A tea can be made by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried bark with 8 ounces of water and simmering for 10 to 15 minutes; let steep for approximately 30 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups each day.
The powdered form of this herb, available in capsules, ranges from 60 to 240 mg of salicin daily. You should confer with your doctor before taking a higher dose.
It is best used when taken over long periods of time, and may take days before any improvement in your conditions are noted.
Contraindications and Side Effects of White Willow
As willow bark contains salicin, individuals that are allergic to salicylates, such as found in aspirin should not take this herb. Some research suggests that people with asthma, diabetes, gastritis, gout and stomach ulcers should not take willow bark.
Side effects associated with willow bark are generally mild.
However, upset stomach, ulcers and stomach bleeding can occur.
Willow bark has been used for centuries in China and Europe as a treatment for pain. In fact, during the 1800s, one of the chemicals in it, salicin, was used to develop aspirin.
If you're sensitive to aspirin products, herbal alternatives such as white willow could provide the pain relief you want, without any of its side effects.
