Willow bark is one of the world's most trusted and time-honored botanical medicines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, physicians have relied upon willow bark as a treatment for pain, fever and inflammation since the time of Hippocrates. In modern naturopathy, willow bark is used as a holistic alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. Despite its overall reputation for safety, willow bark should not be used at any stage of pregnancy except under the careful guidance of a qualified health-care provider.
Function
Medical experts attribute willow bark's medicinal effects to the compound salicin. When salicin interacts with gastric juices in the stomach, it produces the compound salicylic acid, which is nearly identical to modern aspirin. UMMC reports that willow bark rivals aspirin's efficacy as a treatment for inflammation, pain and fever. Besides salicin, other compounds in willow bark may improve immunity and support cellular health.
Uses During Pregnancy
UMMC considers willow bark to be an effective treatment for headaches and low back pain, which are common during pregnancy. Willow bark may seem like a tempting alternative to conventional NSAID medications, which are contraindicated during pregnancy, because of the plant's natural origins and relatively low incidence of side effects. Although willow bark is generally safe for people who are not pregnant or nursing, women should seek alternative methods for managing these discomforts during gestation.
Dangers During Pregnancy
UMMC considers willow bark to be unsafe during pregnancy because of its chemical similarities to aspirin. According to the Mayo Clinic, pregnant women should avoid aspirin and similar products because of the risk of serious side effects for the developing fetus. Aspirin and similar products can alter the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that govern circulation in the baby's body. If the baby has received salicin in the form of willow bark, his hormones may not re-route bloodflow to his lungs after birth. This can lead to fatal complications.
General Side Effects
Aside from willow bark's impact on a baby's hormonal development, most side effects are relatively mild. According to UMMC, high doses of willow bark can cause side effects similar to aspirin, including upset stomach, ulcers and stomach bleeding. An overdose of willow bark may cause vomiting, nausea and organ inflammation; these rare effects can be life-threatening to a developing fetus if they occur during pregnancy. Willow bark is also a weak anticoagulant, or blood-thinner, and should not be used by people with a history of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
Alternatives
Obstetricians and midwives recommend several safe alternatives for managing pain during pregnancy. When used correctly, relaxation exercises, massage and acupuncture can ease back pain and headache with no serious risk to the mother or fetus. If you suffer from persistent headaches, consult your prenatal health-care provider to rule out any underlying pregnancy complications. Under some circumstances, your health-care provider may recommend the occasional use of acetaminophen, or Tylenol, to tame pregnancy-related discomforts.
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