White Willow Bark (Salix alba)

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, so it is used for pain, including headache, muscle or joint pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, gout, and a disease of the spine called ankylosing spondylitis.

Willow bark's pain relieving potential has been recognized throughout history. Willow bark was commonly used during the time of Hippocrates, when people were advised to chew on the bark to relieve pain and fever.

Willow bark is also used for the common cold, flu, and weight loss.

Salicin, the active ingredient in willow bark, seems to have contributed to the death of the composer, Ludwig von Beethoven. Apparently, Beethoven ingested large amounts of salicin before he died. His autopsy report is the first recorded case of a particular type of kidney damage that can be caused by salicin.

How does it work?

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

Treating lower back pain.
Joint pain.
Weight loss.
Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Joint pain.
Treating fever.

For back pain: White Willow Bark extract providing 120-240 mg salicin has been used. The higher 240 mg dose might be more effective.

Willow bark is SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for a short time (up to 12 weeks).
It may cause headaches, stomach upset, and digestive system upset. It can also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions, particularly in people allergic to aspirin.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using White Willow Bark during pregnancy. It's best to avoid using it.
Using White Willow Bark while breast-feeding is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Willow bark contains chemicals that can enter breast milk and have harmful effects on the nursing infant. Don't use it if you are breast-feeding.

Children: White Willow Bark is POSSIBLY UNSAFE n children when taken by mouth for viral infections such as colds and flu. There is some concern that, like aspirin, it might increase the risk of developing Reye's syndrome. Stay on the safe side and don't use willow bark in children.

Bleeding disorders: White Willow Bark might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Kidney disease: White Willow Bark might reduce blood flow through the kidneys, which might lead to kidney failure in certain people. If you have kidney disease, don't use White 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 White Willow Bark. Using White Willow Bark might cause serious allergic reactions. Avoid use.

Surgery: White Willow Bark might slow blood clotting. There is a concern it could cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using willow bark at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.