Aspirin, the most widespread drug in the world, can sometimes cause adverse side effects, such as bleeding ulcers or clotting, according to the book "Herbal Folk Medicine," written by Thomas Broken Bear Squier and Lauren David Peden. The main constituent in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, was modeled after a similar ingredient in white willow bark, called salicylic acid. You can use white willow as a naturopathic alternative to pain relief. However, keep in mind that such remedies represent a holistic approach to medicine that involves less emphasis on drugs and surgery. You should consult a physician before using a naturopathic remedy.
History
The bark of white willow was used by early Greek physicians, including Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen, in patients to relieve headaches and fever, according to Steven Foster and Rebecca Johnson, authors of "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine." It was used as early as 500 B.C. in Chinese medicine and has been used in ancient Assyrian and Egyptian medicine. Several Native American Indian tribes used the bark including the Mohawk, Huron, Chippewa and Cree tribes, according to Anthony Cichoke, author of "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies."
Uses
The main use of white willow traditionally has been as a natural pain reliever. However, the herb has also been ground into a powder and taken in tea or capsules to help arthritis, rheumatism, or toothaches, according to Squier and Peden. The herb has also been used in folk medicine for sore muscles or menstrual cramps. White willow will take a longer amount of time than aspirin to relieve your pain, but it will also lasts longer once it does, according to Foster and Johnson. Preparations of the bark have also been used topically to heal rashes, cuts, burns and sores. White willow bark is the type most often used medicinally; however, you can also us other types of willow, such as black, brittle, basket or crack.
Side Effects
White willow bark has fewer side effects than aspirin. However, you should avoid it if you are not supposed to take aspirin, according to Cichoke. You should also avoid using it if you have problems with gastritis or ulcers. White willow can irritate your stomach like aspirin. However, the salicylic acid is much less harsh that the constituents in aspirin, according to Squier and Peden. The University of Michigan also warns that children should not be given white willow to treat a fever, because it may lead to Reye's syndrome, just as aspirin can. An overdose of white willow may cause ringing in your ears, which is easily fixed by adjusting the dosage, according to Squier and Peden.
Description
White willow is a deciduous tree native to Europe and found in North America. The botanical name for the tree is Salix alba. The tree can grow up to 75 feet in height and is most often found in wet areas, such as streams or ponds, according to Foster and Johnson. The botanical name stands for "near water" to describe the growing conditions where white willow is found. The leaves of the tree are white with fine hairs over the surface. According to Foster and Johnson, trees that are two to three years of age are harvested for their bark in the spring.
Dosage
Typical dosage of white willow is 60mg to 120mg a day. However, the University of Michigan states that 240mg shows more effectiveness in the treatment of pain. You can also make white willow tea by boiling 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of the herb in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes. You can take up to five cups of the tea each day, according to the University of Michigan. Tea can also be substituted with 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. of tinctures at up to three times in a day.
References
- "Herbal Folk Medicine;" Thomas Broken Bear Squier and Lauren David Peden; 1997
- "The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs;" Heather Boon and Michael Smith; 2004
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine;" Steven Foster and Rebecca Johnson; 2006
- "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies;" Anthony Cichoke; 2001
- University of Michigan: Willow
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