Therapeutic Uses
Arthritis – Aspirin has an advantage over its herbal parent in that it is more sure-acting, as willow bark depends on the presence of “friendly” intestinal bacteria to properly digest its components into painkilling compounds. On the other hand, the analgesic compounds from willow bark remain in circulation longer than those from aspirin. The amount of pain-relieving compounds available from willow bark remains at stable levels in the bloodstream for several hours. Unlike aspirin, the salicylates from willow bark have no effect on blood platelets and do not increase bleeding.
Dry Mouth – A clinical study involving ten patients who had radiation treatment found that Salix SST, a saliva-stimulating lozenge containing the active principles of willow bark, relieved symptoms or dry mouth and improved sleep and speech.
Lower Back Pain and Osteoporosis – Studies have shown that willow bark has pain-relieving effects on people with chronic lower back and osteoporotic pain within a month. One study found that a combination herbal product containing 120 milligrams of salicin from white willow bark reduced knee pain and improved functioning in people with osteoarthritis.
Medicinal Uses: * Arthritis * Colds * Cramps/abdominal * Cuts & Wounds * Diet/weight Loss * Fibromyalgia * Headache/Migraine * Lupus * Osteoporosis * Pain Relief * Rheumatoid_arthritis
White Willow Bark Side Effects: Do not take willow bark if you are allergic to aspirin, are currently taking anti-platelet or anticoagulant drugs as this may increase the chance of stomach bleeding.
White Willow Bark Drug Interactions: Taking willow bark along with medications that slow clotting (aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others) might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
