White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark

Latin name: Salix alba 

Health Benefits of White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark has a long history of relieving pain.  It is also used for inflammation and fever.  Health benefits include: 

• It is the grandmother of aspirin and many other medications for arthritis and rheumatism. This first of the modern miracle medicines has been a mainstay in the treatment of joint pain.
• Is a proven painkiller appropriate for colds, fevers, minor infections, headaches, arthritis, and pain caused by inflammation.
• The analgesic action depends on symbiotic or "friendly" intestinal bacteria to digest its components into painkilling forms. Aspirin does not require digestion by intestinal bacteria, and works more quickly. White willow Bark, on the other hand, continues to provide pain relief longer than aspirin.
• Unlike aspirin, salicylates in the bark do not increase the risk of bleeding. They also do not usually irritate the lining of the stomach. 

How to Use White Willow Bark

• Use in tea or tincture combinations, as well as powdered and encapsulated form. 

Cautions and Side Effects of White Willow Bark

• Avoid while pregnant or nursing.
• Safe for children.
• Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin, and do not give willow bark to a child under 16 years of age who has symptoms of any kind of viral infection, especially flu or chickenpox.
• Be cautious if you are taking other anti-coagulates. While it should be relatively safe, you should still use a little caution.