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White Willow

White Willow

Aid Overall Health

White willow is a tree that is native to Asia and Europe. The bark of the white willow tree has been used medicinally for centuries and today is sold as in over the counter supplements.

The bark of the white willow tree is mainly used as a pain reliever and has been proven effective in several studies. However, some people may be allergic to it and should therefore avoid it. Also, if you have certain conditions (as described in the White Willow Side Effects section below) you should not take white willow supplements.

The white willow tree itself is not a very hearty tree. Although it grows quickly it dies early and is very susceptible to getting diseased. However, the tree does not decay easily if it is healthy and it does make for strong wood that is light weight.

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Summary

White Willow Benefits The main ingredient that is medicinal in the white willow bark is a bitter powder called salicin. Salicin is the foundation on which aspirin was created. Salicin is the reason for both the benefits and the side effects achieved by taking white willow supplements. ... more

White Willow Benefits

The main ingredient that is medicinal in the white willow bark is a bitter powder called salicin. Salicin is the foundation on which aspirin was created. Salicin is the reason for both the benefits and the side effects achieved by taking white willow supplements.

White willow benefits people by providing pain relief for a variety of aches. It can help relieve back pain, joint pain, and osteoarthritis. It can also help reduce symptoms of a fever and the flu. Inflammation is also alleviated with white willow bark.

The reason white willow is better than aspirin is because it is natural and not chemically created. Also, unlike aspirin, white willow does not appear to hurt the lining of your stomach as aspirin can do. It also takes less white willow to accomplish the same thing as aspirin.

Several studies have been done on white willow and all have concluded that white willow may be effective as an inflammation reducer and pain reliever. However, there are some safety issues that should be considered before you start taking white willow.

White Willow Side Effects

If you are allergic to aspirin you may think that white willow is a natural alternative for you to try. However, aspirin is based on the same active ingredient of white willow, so if you are allergic to aspirin then you are probably allergic to white willow as well.

The same is true for the opposite side. If you are allergic to white willow supplements then you may very well be allergic to aspirin. These types of allergies can be very serious and so you should consult with your physician before supplements if you are unsure of the reaction.

You also should not take white willow if you have asthma, hyperuricemia, gout, kidney disease, or a peptic ulcer. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you are also advised not to take white willow since the reactions on a fetus or infant and toddler are unknown.

Children and young adults should avoid taking white willow, especially if they are sick with the chicken pox. Once again, since white willow is so similar to aspirin, the effects are the same. Therefore, children or teenagers who take white willow while sick with the chicken pox can develop Reye’s syndrome, a life threatening illness, just like they could with aspirin.

Herbal interactions can occur with garlic, ginkgo, and vitamin E. If any of these herbs are taken in conjunction with white willow you may increase your risk of bleeding. For this reason you should also avoid anticoagulants when taking white willow supplements.

Other drug interactions include bismuth subsalicylates, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Cox-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, metoclopramide, methotrexate, and platelet inhibitors. Not all of these drugs are prescription drugs, such as the bismuth subsalicylates Pepto-Bismol, so be sure to tell your pharmacist about any over the counter drugs you are taking as well before taking white willow supplements.

Some side effects that you may experience as a result of taking white willow supplements include a burning sensation in your stomach, cramps, dizziness, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment, liver toxicity, nausea, a rash, and ulcers. Although these side effects tend to appear at higher doses, you should discontinue use at any dosage level and consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

White Willow Dosage

Just as high doses of aspirin become more dangerous than low doses, so do higher doses of white willow. If you are unsure of how much white willow to take, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult your physician or pharmacist.

In general, you can safely take up to 240mg of white willow bark a day. However, some people get relief with as little as 120mg a day. Therefore, you may want to start with a lower dosage and adjust as needed.

White willow is a natural extract from the bark of a tree. It has been considered beneficial enough to cause the creation of a similar chemical such as aspirin. Therefore, white willow supplements can help sooth your aching muscles after a workout or relieve pain in your joints. However, if you are allergic to aspirin or develop any side effects you should discontinue taking white willow immediately. Compare white willow supplement by going to the free supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Aspirin-Like Allergy
Burning Sensation In Stomach
Cramps
Dizziness
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Kidney Problems
Liver Toxicity
Nausea
Rashes
Reye's Syndrome
Ulcers
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Back Pain
Fever
Flu
Inflammation
Joint Pain
Muscle Pain
Osteoarthritis
Pain Reliever