Information on White Willow Bark

Features

• White willow bark is the most common ingredient in powdered, dried or liquid willow bark. Other ingredients include weeping willow, crack willow or black willow bark, among others. Willow bark contains a chemical called salicin that is chemically similar to aspirin. White willow bark was used to develop aspirin during the 1800s.

Benefits

• People take white willow bark as an alternative to aspirin. It is useful for relieving the pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and migraine headaches. Willow bark is less damaging to the stomach than aspirin, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. The herb also has antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

Considerations

• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use willow bark. Children under the age of 16 are at risk of a dangerous aspirin-related condition called Reye's Syndrome and should not take willow bark. Side effects, although generally mild, may include stomach discomfort or irritation, skin rash, ringing in the ears or kidney inflammation. Willow bark might also interfere with medications, so patients should consult a doctor before using the herb.