White Willow For Inflammation

According to the Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition, white willow bark contains salicylates such as salicin, which are phenolic glycosides. When you ingest salicin, your body converts it to salicylic acid in your intestines, which can inhibit prostaglandins. Prostaglandins can produce inflammation in your body and contribute to pain and fever. In 1829, French pharmacist Leroux isolated salicylates from willow bark, which led to the development of Aspirin by Bayer in 1899. The naturally occurring salicylates in willow bark have a different molecular structure from Aspirin. Therefore, white willow bark does not lead to the same side effects as Aspirin such as stomach irritation and poor blood clotting.

Osteoarthritis

White willow bark may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. A study published in the 2001 issue of Phytotherapy Research assessed the effectiveness of study subjects taking 240 mg of salicin from white willow bark compared to subjects who took a placebo over a two-week period. Study participants experienced a 14-percent reduction in arthritis-related pain with little to no side effects. Further research may be necessary to verify the efficacy of willow bark for osteoarthritis pain.

Back Pain

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMM, white willow may be beneficial for inflammatory low back pain. A study published in the July 2000 issue of American Journal of Medicine researched the effects of willow bark on over 200 patients with low back pain. Patients were administered either 120 mg or 240 mg of salicin over the course of 4 weeks. Researchers found that 39 percent of patients in the high dose group and 21 percent of patients in the low dose group were pain free at the end of the study. Furthermore, patients in the high dose group showed improvement after only one week of treatment.

Headaches

White willow bark may help relieve inflammatory headaches, according to UMM. Furthermore, willow may cause less side effects compared to other over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that you might commonly use for your headaches. Large-scale studies have not been performed to evaluate the efficacy of willow bark for headaches. Therefore, further studies may be necessary to validate its safety for recurring or chronic headaches.

Precautions

White willow bark contains salicin, which may cause an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to other salicylates like Aspirin. According to UMM, avoid taking willow bark if you have asthma, gout, diabetes, hemophilia, gastritis or stomach ulcers. Furthermore, consult with your health-care provider if you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners.

Side Effects

Although UMM states that side effects are generally mild, you may experience stomach upset, ulcers or stomach bleeding while taking white willow. Overdose symptoms may include skin rash, nausea, stomach irritation, vomiting, ringing in your ears or kidney inflammation. Contact your doctor or nearest emergency facility if you experience any of these side effects.