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Traditional uses:
Reports reveal that physicians and
traditional herbalist have prescribed White willow for medicinal
purposes since 500 B.C. The herb was used to treat chronic dysentery,
reduction of fevers, menstrual irregularities, etc.
Physiology:
The inner bark of the tree was once harvested for salicin
which was converted to salacylic acid, however, acetylsalicylic
acid was eventually synthetically produced so the tree lost it popularity
to aspirin. The salicylic acid in white willow bark lowers the body's
levels of prostaglandins a hormone like compounds that is responsible
for aches, pain, and inflammation. Many physicians and herbalist
still prefer the use of White willow to that of synthetic aspirin
because of the lower incidence of side effects associated with the
herb. The bark also remains popular secondary to its content of
tannins, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides. The high content of tannins
are believed to be responsible for relieving gastrointestinal complications.
The active ingredient in White willow, salacylic acid, has a synergistic
effect when combined with Ephedra to promote the thermogenic process.
Thermogenesis is the rapid conversion of the food we digest into
heat before the calories can be stored as fat.
Clinical
Studies:
The eleutherosides mentioned above have been shown to enhance
physical endurance and mental acuity without the letdown that is
so commonly associate with most caffeinated products. Farnsworth
NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal
Plant Research, vol 1, ed. Wagner H, Hikino HZ, Farnsworth NR. London:
Academic Press, 1985, 155–215.
Research has also shown that eleutherosides improve the use of oxygen
by the exercising muscle allowing athletes to maintain aerobic exercise
for longer periods, as well as, shortening recovery periods between
workouts. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus
senticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;37:175–7.
Modern day
uses:
Today, White willow is prescribe by physicians and herbal specialists
for a host of conditions including the following:
- Chronic dysentery
- Prevention of strokes and blood clots
- Arthritis - the herb reduces the swelling and inflammation associated
with the arthritis, promoting increase mobility.
- Fever and chills - the aspirin type properties can help break
a fever.
- headaches
- Toothaches
- Tendonitis and neuralgia
- Treatment of eczem
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle aches
- Natural diuretic
Precautions
and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult
with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription
or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant
or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician
prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals
history of tinnitus (a sound in one or both ears, similar to a ringing,
buzzing, whistling, etc. occurring without a an external stimulus
should not use White willow. This condition is usually caused by
a specific cause i.e. ear infection, the use of certain medications,
blocked auditory tube/canal or head trauma), In additions individuals
with the following preexisting conditions i.e. stomach irritations,
bleeding disorders, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, liver/kidney
disease diabetes or children under 16 years of age should definitely
consult with their physician prior to taking the White willow.
White willow bark should not be taken with aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) i.e. naproxen and ibuprofen. Combining
White willow and these medications may increase the chance of side
effects such as stomach bleeding. Higher than commonly recommended
doses of this White willow may result in stomach upset, tinnitus,
nausea, etc.
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General
Herbal Information
