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White Willow
(Salix alba)
DESCRIPTION
White willow is commonly used as a natural alternative to
aspirin. Unlike aspirin, white willow does not easily upset
the stomach. White willow contains a substance that can be
purified to produce salicylic acid, a precursor of aspirin.
HERBAL USES
White willow has been used
to treat a variety of ailments in various parts of the world.
It has been used as a treatment for Pain and fever in China
since 500 B.C. In Europe, it was used to stop Vomiting, reduce
Warts, and suppress sexual desire.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Part of the plant used:
BARK.
Tea, 1-2 g of white willow
bark per one cup of water boiled for 10 minutes.
Standardised tinctures and
dry extracts, providing 60-120 mg of salicin daily
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
White willow is used for
many of the same purposes of aspirin, including treatment
of the following: bursitis, tendinitis, Headaches, osteoarthritis,(1)
dysmenorrhea, and rheumatoid Arthritis. It may be less hard
on the stomach than aspirin because salicylic acid is in chemical
forms in white willow that convert into salicylic acid only
after absorption by the body (2).
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
White willow should not
be used long-term, for it may lead to stomach irritation and
bleeding Ulcers. Risks of aspirin apply to white willow as
well. (3)
Children should not be given
white willow due to risk of Reye’s syndrome. It should
not be used by individuals with aspirin allergies, bleeding
disorders, ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
Safety in pregnant or nursing
women and patients with severe liver or kidney disease has
not been determined.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
White willow should not
be taken with the following: alcohol, "blood thinners,"
other anti-inflammatories, methotrexate, metoclopramide, phenytoin,
probenecid, spironolactone, and valproate. Adverse interactions
may occur.
REFERENCES
1. Mills SY et al.
Effect of a proprietary herbal medicine on the relief of chronic
arthritic Pain: A double-blind study. Br J Rheum 1996;35:874-78
2. Newall C, et al. Herbal medicines: A guide for health-care
professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996: 268.
3. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical
Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
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