Willow bark is the bark from several varieties of the willow tree, including white willow or European willow, black willow or pussy willow, crack willow, purple willow, and others. The bark is used to make medicine.
Willow bark acts a lot like
aspirin, so it is used for pain, including
headache,
muscle pain, menstrual
cramps,
rheumatoid arthritis (RA),
osteoarthritis,
gout, and a disease of
the spine called
ankylosing spondylitis.
Willow bark’s pain relieving potential has been recognized throughout history. Willow bark was commonly used during the time of Hippocrates, when people were advised to chew on the bark to relieve pain and fever.
Willow bark is also used for fever, the
common cold,
flu, and
weight loss.
Salicin, the active ingredient in willow bark, seems to have contributed to the death of the composer, Ludwig von Beethoven. Apparently, Beethoven ingested large amounts of salicin before he died. His
autopsy report is the first recorded case of a particular type of
kidney damage that can be caused by salicin.
How does it work?
Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin that is similar to aspirin.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Weight loss. Early research suggests that taking willow bark in combination with ephedra and cola nut might cause slight weight loss in overweight and obese people. However, it is not wise to use this combination because of safety concerns about ephedra. Ephedra has been banned in the United States due to severe harmful side effects.
- Osteoarthritis. Research on willow bark extract for osteoarthritis has produced conflicting results. Some research suggests it can reduce osteoarthritis pain, while other research shows no effect.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research suggests that willow bark extract is not effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Treating fever.
- Joint pain.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of willow bark for these uses.
Side Effects & Safety
Willow bark is
POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for a short time (up to 12 weeks).
It may cause stomach upset and
digestive system upset. It can also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions, particularly in people allergic to aspirin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the safety of using willow bark during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid using it.
Using willow bark while breast-feeding is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Willow bark contains chemicals that can enter breast milk and have harmful effects on the nursing infant. Don’t use it if you are breast-feeding.
Children: Willow bark is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE n children when taken by mouth for
viral infections such as colds and flu. There is some concern that, like aspirin, it might increase the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. Stay on the safe side and don’t use willow bark in children.
Bleeding disorders: Willow bark might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Kidney disease: Willow bark might reduce blood flow through the kidneys, which might lead to
kidney failure in certain people. If you have kidney disease, don’t use willow bark.
Sensitivity to aspirin: People with ASTHMA, STOMACH ULCERS,
DIABETES, GOUT,
HEMOPHILIA, HYPOPROTHROMBINEMIA, or KIDNEY or LIVER DISEASE might be sensitive to aspirin and also willow bark. Using willow bark might cause serious allergic reactions. Avoid use.
Surgery: Willow bark might slow blood clotting. There is a concern it could cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using willow bark at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with WILLOW BARK
Willow bark might slow blood clotting. Taking willow bark along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.<br/><br/> Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Aspirin interacts with WILLOW BARK
Willow bark contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking willow bark along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.
- Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate) interacts with WILLOW BARK
Willow bark contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). Taking willow bark along with choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).
- Salsalate (Disalcid) interacts with WILLOW BARK
Salsalate (Disalcid) is called a salicylate. It's similar to aspirin. Willow bark also contains a salicylate similar to aspirin. Taking salsalate (Disalcid) along with willow bark might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate (Disalcid).
Dosing
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For back pain: Willow bark extract providing 120-240 mg salicin has been used. The higher 240 mg dose might be more effective.