White Willow - An Natural pain Reliever

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White Willow (Salix alba)

Parts used and where grown: The white willow tree grows primarily in central and southern Europe, although it is also found in North America. As with many medicinal trees, the bark of white willow contains the active constituents.

In what conditions might white willow be supportive?

bursitis

fever

headache (tension)

osteoarthritis

rheumatoid arthritis

White willow trees are native to central and southern Europe, although like many other medicinal plants early colonists introduced them into North America. The silvery bark from two- to three-year-old twigs of the white willow is sometimes called "natural aspirin" because it is used much like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to relieve pain and reduce fever. The aspirin-like effect of white willow bark is no coincidence-white willow bark is a natural source of salicin, a chemical relative of the compound used to make aspirin. A French pharmacist first isolated salicin from white willow bark in 1829. Scientific investigation continued and in the early 1850s German scientists synthesized aspirin from the related chemical salicylic acid found in meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). The new drug didn't catch on for fifty years until the folks at the German Bayer company decided to promote it as an arthritis remedy. Aspirin quickly replaced natural sources of salicin and salicylic acid because it was more potent and caused fewer side effects (salicylic acid can be irritating to the stomach). The white willow tree is thus a prime example of how herbal folk remedies can inspire scientific research and the development of a hugely successful conventional drug.

Traditional uses

Hundreds of willow species exist around the world and various cultures have been known to use the bark medicinally, not only for its pain-relieving and fever-reducing properties but also as a digestive tonic. The ancient Chinese, Hippocrates and other Greek physicians, and the Romans recommended willow bark remedies. Native American tribes were using indigenous willow species for pain and fever by the 17th century and probably knew of these medicinal effects before the arrival of Europeans. Willow was a popular herb among Colonial Americans to reduce inflammation and fever and to treat ailments ranging from gout to food poisoning. Willow leaves were also sometimes used in remedies for colic and other conditions. Ointments with willow bark were used topically for cuts and burns.

Modern uses

White willow bark is still sometimes used for its aspirin-like effects, though it is considered milder and slower-acting. A fever characterized by hot, red skin can be reduced by white willow bark. As a pain reliever white willow bark may help to alleviate muscle aches, tension headache, and arthritis. Because studies have found that aspirin works as a thermogenic (heat-creating and calorie-burning) agent synergistically with caffeine and ephedrine, white willow bark is sometimes included in weight-loss formulas. Though this rationale is reasonable, white willow bark remains unproven as a weight-loss aid.

Active constituents: The glycoside salicin, from which the body can split off salicylic acid, is the basis of the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of willow.² The analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting but last longer than standard aspirin products. The bark is also high in tannins, suggesting that it may be of some use in gastrointestinal conditions. However, excessive use may also cause nausea and diarrhea.

Product Recommendations

White Willow was the basis of the synthesis of aspirin. It contains salicin and related compounds. It has been used for more than 2,00 years to relieve aches and pains of all sorts
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How much should I take? A white willow tea can be prepared from 1-2 grams of bark boiled in 200 ml of water for ten minutes. Five or more cups of this tea can be drunk per day. Tincture is also used, commonly in the amount of 1-2 ml three times per day. Willow extracts standardized for salicin content are also available. The daily intake of salicin is typically 60-120 mg per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Long-term use of willow is not advisable, as it may cause some of the same problems that aspirin does—primarily stomach ulcers. However, willow is much safer than aspirin.

Recent findings

Swedish scientists investigated more than fifty plants that are used in traditional Swedish medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and/or wounds. The goat willow (S. caprea) was among the half-dozen plants that both inhibited prostaglandin synthesis and affected platelet activating factor, biochemical indicators of anti-inflammatory activity.

Do scientists know how it works?

The salicin found in low levels (1-2 percent) in white willow bark is a glycoside. The liver and intestines convert salicin into salicylic acid. Salicin, salicylic acid, and aspirin have all been shown to reduce inflammation, lower fever, and relieve pain. Exactly how these related compounds cause these effects was not known until researchers in the early 1980s showed that aspirin acts on certain series of prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds that have various complex effects on mind, mood, and bodily function. White willow bark also contains tannins and flavonoids. The astringent tannins may have therapeutic effects although high amounts can also cause stomach complaints.


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Safety

White willow bark remedies are in general less potent than aspirin. Some herbalists nevertheless contend that to be on the safe side white willow bark should share aspirin's cautions and contraindications. Thus, white willow bark shouldn't be given to children who have a fever that may be due to certain viral illnesses including influenza, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. White willow bark should also be avoided by pregnant women, children under the age of two, and anyone with ulcers. Side effects are infrequent but may include nausea, diarrhea, and digestive upset. Excessive long-term use could cause stomach ulcers.

References
Tunon, H., et al., "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis," J Ethnopharmacol (1995), 48(2):61-76
Bradley PR ed. British Herbal Compendium, vol 1. Bournemouth, Dorset, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1992, 224-6.

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