Herbs ~ White Willow Bark
(Salix alba)

• Relieves acute and chronic pains, including back and neck pain, headaches, and muscle aches.
• Reduces arthritis inflammation.
• May lower fevers.

In 1828 the plant's active ingredient, salicin, was isolated by German and French scientists, and ten years later, European chemist manufactured salicylic acid, a chemical cousin to aspirin, from it.Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, was later created from a different salicin-containing herb called meadowsweet.By the end of the nineteenth century, the Bayer Company had begun commercially producing aspirin, which was marketed as a new and safer pain reliever than wintergreen and black birch oil, the herbs commonly employed at that time for reducing pain.

All parts of the white willow contain salicin, but concentrations of this chemical are highest in the bark, which is collected in early spring from trees that are two to five years old.Salix alba, or white willow, is the most popular species for medicinal use, but other types of willow are also rich in salicin, including Salix fragilis (crack willow), Salix purpurea (purple willow), and Salix daphnoides (violet willow).These species are often sold simply as willow bark in health-food stores.

• ORIGINAL GREEN TABLETS

• Tablet
• Capsule
• Tincture
• Dried herb/Tea
• Powder

• A recent study confirms earlier reports that white willow bark appears to be quite safe.Among 41 patients with long-standing arthritis who were treated for two months with white willow bark (as well as other herbs), only three people taking the herbs had mild adverse reactions, including headache and digestive upset - all of which also occurred in those who were given a placebo.

• Anyone who has been told to avoid aspirin should also refrain from using white willow bark.This advice applies to people allergic to aspirin, those with ulcers or other gastrointestinal disorders, and teens or children with a fever.
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult their doctors before taking white willow bark, because its safety has not been established in these situations.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

In addition, do not give the herb to a child or teen under age 16 who has a cold, the flu, or chicken pox.Taking aspirin puts these youngsters at risk for a potentially fatal brain and liver condition called Reye's syndrome.Salicin, the therapeutic ingredient in white willow bark, is not likely to cause this problem because it is metabolized differently than aspirin.However, its similarities t the painkiller warrant this course of action.Acetaminophen is a better choice than white willow bark or aspirin for children and teens.