White Willow Bark

What is White Willow Bark?

The medical use of white willow goes back to the ancient Egyptians. They used white willow to help with inflammation. The Greek physician Hippocrates actually wrote about white willow bark's medicinal uses in 5th century B.C.

Today, herbalists recommend white willow bark for headache, fever, arthritis, and other disorders characterized by pain and inflammation, including heart disease.

White Willow Bark contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid and has the same effect on the body as aspirin without any of the side effects. White willow bark is often used as a natural alternative to aspirin.

One of the most common uses in dietary supplements is as an adjunct for weight loss. White willow bark extract offers little to no benefits by itself. In combination with other dietary supplements, however, white willow is thought to extend or increase the activity of several thermogenic ingredients in elevating energy expenditure and promoting fat metabolism.

White willow can also suppress inflammation and uterine cramping caused by prostaglandins. Like aspirin, white willow may help reduce the risk of stomach and colon cancer. In one study it was also shown to help reduce blood sugar.

Side Effects and Warnings of White Willow Bark

White willow bark side effects tend to be mild.  However, White willow bark should not be taken with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen; in combination, the herb and these drugs increase the chance of side effects such as stomach bleeding.

Do not give white willow to children to treat fever resulting from cold, flu, or chickenpox-it is not known if white willow, like aspirin, could cause potentially fatal Reye syndrome in children with these illnesses.

Those taking blood thinners should avoid this herb also, as it may increase the action of these medications.

In order to ensure that your safety is assured when taking White Willow Bark, always consult with your doctor and inform them of any other prescriptions you may be taking.

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