Symptom: aches and pains Herb: Willow

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Symptom: aches and pains

Herb: Willow

 

Willow

Salix spp.

 

Source

Willow is the

inner bark of several species of Salix, trees in the willow family including

white willow (S. alba). Four other European species recognized as sources are

crack willow (S. fragilis), purple willow (S. purpurea), violet willow (S.

daphnoides), and bay willow (S. pentandra). All except bay willow are

naturalized in North America.

Traditional Use

For more than 2,000 years, people of the Northern Hemisphere used willow bark

as a wash for external ulcers and internally to reduce fevers and relieve

aches, pains, rheumatism, arthritis, and headaches. Native Americans used it:

black willow root bark was used by the Houma

as a blood thinner; the Creek used the root tea to relieve inflammation in

rheumatism and to reduce fever. In American folk traditions, the bark was used

as a blood thinner (like aspirin) and to treat fever. The tea was also given

for dyspepsia. In 1763, a Dr. Stone of London

first recommended willow bark to the medical profession for the treatment of

fevers.

Current Status

In the 1890s the Bayer Company was looking for a substitute for wintergreen and

black birch oil, then used to relieve pain, because they were simply too toxic.

Their researchers studied experiments from 1853 in which salicylic acid was

first synthesized from carbolic acid. They rediscovered a derivative of the

acids developed in the 1853 studies- " acetylsalicylic acid " , commonly

known today as aspirin. No other drug is as well-known for its analgesic,

fever-reducing or antiinflammatory qualities. Willow bark has been considered a

" natural aspirin " .

Willow bark

contains compounds called phenolic glycoside esters. Intestinal micro-organisms

transform these compounds to saligenin, which is oxidized in the liver and

blood, producing salicylic acid. It has pain-relieving effects like aspirin,

but with fewer side effects. Pain is reduced by inhibition of prostaglandin

synthesis in sensory nerves. The question then becomes whether you can take enough

willow bark to achieve this effect? According to Varro Tyler, probably not.

Preparations

The dried bark is available in whole form or pulverized for teas, capsules,

tablets, and other products. In Europe, willow

products standardized to salicin are available. Bark should contain at least 1

percent salicin.

Cautions

Willow bark is

high in tannins, which can damage the liver. Because willow bark produces

salicin, it is suggested to be contraindicated in the same instances as aspirin

for stomach ulcers and, in children, for high fevers. However, salicin does not

metabolize the same as aspirin, so the contraindications may not apply.

Symptoms

Fever

Aches and pains

 

 

 

NorthernDoe / Leisa

 

Northwoods Knits

 

 

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