White Willow Bark Vs. White Willow Bark Extract

Uses

• Herbalists typically recommend white willow bark and its extract to help in relieving pain and inflammation, specifically that associated with headaches, low-back pain, bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and various types of muscle pain. In traditional medicine, white willow bark is sometimes also used to treat fevers and symptoms associated with the flu.

Differences

• The main differences between white willow bark and its extract aren't associated with their medicinal uses or potential effects, but instead in how you take the remedies. White willow bark is usually taken as a tea by boiling the bark in water, while willow bark extract is taken in the form of capsules, tablets or tinctures.

Warning

• Because white willow bark contains the same type of active substances as aspirin, the herb poses similar risks. Don't take white willow bark or its extract if you have gastritis, stomach ulcers or an allergy to aspirin. Avoid giving willow bark to children, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, which is a serious disorder linked to salicylates found in willow bark and aspirin. Reye's syndrome occurs in young children and involves damage to the brain and other organs. Willow bark and its extract can increase your bleeding risks if you take it with blood thinners such as Coumadin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).