Facts About Willow Bark

WILLOW BARK

• The chemical that gives willow bark its therapeutic effects is salicin. Experts believe that when the body processes salicin, it turns it into salicylic acid, which is the chemical precursor to aspirin. 
• In 1928, European chemists figured out how to extract salicin and turn it into salicylic acid. It became popular as a pain reliever and fever reducer, and was then modified to become acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin.

How does this work?

• Studies show that willow bark can help treat lower back pain and possibly osteoarthritis (OA) pain. One study found that people with back pain who took a high, 240mg dose daily found relief from their pain. Another study showed that willow bark could offer mild pain relief to people with OA. However, there is no evidence that willow bark can lower pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Fewer Side Effects than Aspirin

 One of the reasons people use willow bark as an alternative to aspirin is because it doesn’t produce the same side effects as aspirin. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach irritation or damage, while willow bark taken in normal amounts does not. 

Scientists believe the difference in side effects may be either because the salicylic acid from willow bark is created when the body breaks down salicin (instead of directly entering the body). Another possible explanation is the fact that a standard dose of willow bark comes close to the strength of one baby aspirin.

However, this doesn’t make willow bark completely safe. Willow bark can produce similar side effects to aspirin if it’s taken in high doses for long periods of time. It may also not be safe for people who:

- use blood thinners

-have sensitivities or allergies to aspirin

-have bleeding disorders

-have kidney disease