All about White Willow Bark Extract
White willow bark extract comes from the white willow tree, a member of the Salicaceae family; the tree can grow up to 75 feet tall, and thrives near streams or rivers. White willow grows in diverse regions of the world, ranging from parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. Although there are several hundred species of willow, white willow extract is one of the few believed to harbor medicinial properties. Indeed, it has been used for therapuetic purposes for thousands of years in places suchas China.
Although the Eastern world recognized the therapeutic benefits of white willow extract long ago, it wasn't until the 18th eighteenth century that the West began using white willow branch extract for relieving pain and fever. The bark extract derives its benefits from its active ingredient -- salicin -- and which was isolated by German and French scientists in 1828. Salicylic acid was manufactured from white willow bark extract...salicylic acid, indeed, is the precursor to one of the world's most well known drugs for treating fevers and pain: aspirin. So, the question then becomes: why take white willow extract if you can just take aspirin instead? Well, some experts believe that although both aspirin and white willow bark extract will reduce fever and pain, white willow's benefits last longer...and that it does not harbor the same serious risks as aspirin, such as possible stomach bleeding. On the other hand, white willow extract is said to take longer than aspirin before its beneficial effects are felt...indeed it may take several days before the effects kick in. Other benefits include: alleviating headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis pains, menstrual cramps. The herb harbors anti-inflammatory properties, contains tannins and flavonoids which probably accounts for some of these benefits.
White willow bark extract is believed to be safe and harbor no known toxicity. However, reported side effects can range from nausea to upset stomachs to tinnitus (ringing of the ears). It should also not be used in conjunction with aspirin as it can magnify the latter's effects. In addition, those with an allergy to aspirin should not use it nor people under 16 years of age. Pregnant or nursing women, as always, should refrain from using any supplement, herbal or otherwise, unless consulting their physician first.
1. Choose a white willow supplement that is standardized to 15% salicin -- the active ingredient found in the bark. The active ingredients are responsible for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. 2. Only purchase white willow extract supplements produced at pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities. Such companies adhere to the most rigorous manufacturing requirements to ensure products do not harbor any contaminants.
1) Turmeric -- an herb with anti-inflammatory properties, helps alleviate pain, and also has a host of other benefits. Click here to learn more. 2) Ginger root -- contains gingerol, a pungent compound with properties similar to aspirin. Also contains anti-inflammatory properties, along with anti-biotic benefits. Used for anti-nausea, arthritis, colds and flus and the reduction of blood clotting. Click here to learn more. Both of the above are excellent nutrients with similar therapeutic properties to White Willow Bark Extract.
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