Benefits of White Willow Bark

A member of the Salicaceae family, the white willow tree grows in southern and central Europe, Asia and North America. Of the more than 300 species of willow, the white willow is one of the few used for medicinal purposes. Use of the bark dates back thousands of years. It is still used today, most often to reduce inflammation and pain. Studies have shown white willow bark also has antiseptic, immune-boosting and antioxidant properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.

Osteoarthritis

• White willow bark is more effective at reducing the pain associated with osteoarthritis than a placebo, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those suffering pain in the lower back or neck showed significant improvement after using white willow bark. Additionally, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip joint also experienced significant pain relief, according to the UMM website.

Headache Relief

• White willow bark offers headache relief without the side effects of other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This may be due to the salicin and other chemicals in white willow bark, which convert to salicylic acid after the body absorbs them.

Low Back Pain

• White willow bark appears to be effective in easing low back pain. A study reported in the American Journal of Medicine indicated that people suffering from low back pain experienced a significant improvement in pain relief compared to those who used a placebo. The higher the dosage the more significant the pain relief.

Other Uses

• White willow bark has been used by physicians in China since 500 B.C. as an analgesic or pain killer to reduce fever and reduce pain. It has since been used in in Europe to reduce sexual desire, to stop vomiting and for the elimination of warts.

  More recently, herbalists have recommended white willow bark for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including flu, migraine headaches, toothache, menstrual cramps, musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis.