Problems With White Willow Bark

White willow bark is an herb that helps reduce inflammation and provides pain relieve. White willow bark may also help reduce a fever, help make an individual's immune system stronger, and have some antiseptic value. White willow bark contains salicin which makes it close in nature to the over-the-counter medication aspirin. Despite its many benefits, there are risks to using white willow bark as an alternative therapy.

Side Effects

• The salicylates in white willow bark can potentially cause gastrointestinal problems. Individuals taking this herb may feel sick to their stomach or vomit. Stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding may also occur after taking white willow bark. Less common side effects to the herb include elevated triglycerides, unstable blood pressure, swelling, and high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Drug Interactions

• White willow bark should not be taken with a number of medications because of potential negative interactions. The herb should not be taken with blood thinners, as the combination could cause blood to become too thin and increase the risk of excessive bleeding. Do not take white willow bark with beta blockers or diuretics as it can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Avoid taking this herb with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications because the combination increases the risk of bleeding inside of the stomach. It should also not be taken with dilantin because the combination could lead to toxic dilantin levels in the blood.

Cannot Take with Certain Illnesses

• White willow bark cannot be taken by individuals with some illnesses because the herb may exasperate symptoms. Individuals with asthma, diabetes, gout, preexisting stomach problems, and hemophilia should not take white willow bark.

Reye's Syndrome

• White willow bark should never be taken by anyone younger than 16 years of age. Like aspirin, white willow bark can cause Reye's syndrome in children.