White Willow Bark
White Willow Bark
Properties
Anti-inflammatory
Primary Uses
White 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. **
Side Effects
It may cause stomach upset and digestive system upset. It can also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions, particularly in people allergic to aspirin.
References
Akao, T., Yoshino, T., Kobashi, K., and Hattori, M. Evaluation of salicin as an antipyretic prodrug that does not cause gastric injury. Planta Med 2002;68(8):714-718. View abstract.
Fiebich BL, Appel K. Anti-inflammatory effects of willow bark extract. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003;74:96. View abstract.