White willow bark is an herbal remedy for relieving symptoms of arthritis and other painful physical conditions. Because willow bark contains a salicylate chemical known as salicin, which is similar to the active component of aspirin, it may not be safe for people with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking white willow bark supplements.
Function
Research indicates that white willow bark and several other types of willow are effective for managing back pain, headaches and the pain of osteoarthritis, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Willow also may be helpful for relieving muscle pain, tendonitis, bursitis, menstrual cramps and fever. A primary component, salicin, has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects when the body converts it to salicylic acid. Salicin was used to develop aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Side effects associated with white willow bark typically are mild, but any compound containing salicylates can cause upset stomach, stomach bleeding and ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drugs.com explains that the related salicylate aspirin commonly causes gastrointestinal bleeding, although often there are no symptoms. Major upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding associated with salicylate usage is much more likely if you have an active ulcer. An overdose of white willow bark may cause stomach inflammation, nausea and vomiting.
Contraindications
Although some evidence indicates that white willow bark is less likely to cause gastrointestinal problems than aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it may be inadvisable to take willow if you tend to get upset stomach or if you have gastritis or an ulcer, according to the University of Maryland Center. Use of salicylates may lead to reactivation of latent ulcers and ulcer perforation, warns Drugs.com. Salicylates may be unsafe for people with a history of alcoholism, gastrointestinal disease, or with active or recent gastrointestinal bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Taking willow bark with aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of stomach bleeding, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, willow bark may increase the anticoagulant effects of these medications and others with blood-thinning activity, which elevates the risk of bleeding in general. Consult your doctor before taking white willow bark if you currently use blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, clopidogrel or heparin.
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