Willow Bark

what is willow bark?

Willows include small trees, shrubs, and ground covers, and many species are dioecious with male and female catkins (flowers) on separate plants. The male flowers are yellow, and the female flowers are green. Medicinal willow bark is collected in the early spring from young branches (2 to 3 years of age). About 300 different species of the genus Salix are called willow. The one that is generally recognized as a source of medicinal bark are Salix alba L., S. purpurea L. and S. fragilis L. Most willows are found in temperate and arctic zones. They are geographically distributed in all continents except Antarctica and Australia.

benefits of willow bark?

The active constituents in willow bark are salicortin, fragilin, tremulacin, salicin (salicyl alcohol glycoside, the principal active constituent), and etc. Willow bark and its active constituent produce anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effect through their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin biosynthesis. The high quality of willow bark, such as S. purpurea had about 6-8.5 percent total salicin.

Willow bark is used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Researchers believe that the chemical salicin, which can be found in willow bark, is responsible for these effects.Some studies show willow is as effective as aspirin for reducing pain and inflammation (but not fever), and at a much lower dose. Scientists think that may be due to other compounds in the herb. More research is needed.

The daily dose for this willow bark, it would be necessary to consume the tea prepared from about 130 g of bark to yield an average daily dose of salicylate (average 4.5 g) sufficient to treat athritic-rheumatic disorder.

side effect and precation when using willow bark

Side effect have not been reported. however precaution should be taken when using this herbs Because willow bark contains salicin, people who are allergic or sensitive to salicylates (such as aspirin) should not use willow bark. Some researchers suggest that people with asthma, diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, stomach ulcers, or with kidney or liver issues should also avoid willow bark. If you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood-thinning medication, ask your health care provider before taking willow bark. Children under the age of 16 should not take willow bark.