Safety of White Willow Bark

The white willow tree is native to Europe and Asia. It was used to alleviate pain and swelling by Hippocrates. The active ingredient in white willow bark is salicin. The plant's name comes from the fine white hairs on the leaves. Aspirin traces its roots back to salicin.

History

• While white willow bark has been used medicinally since the time of the ancient Greeks, although it wasn't until 1829 that the active ingredient, salicin, was identified. In 1852, salicylic acid, a synthetic version of the compound, was developed. In 1859, it was refined to acetylsalicylic acid and marketed under the name of aspirin by the Bayer Corporation.

Safety

• Anyone with an allergy to aspirin should not consume white willow bark. People taking a blood thinner should not take white willow bark as it may cause excessive blood thinning. White willow bark should not be given to children with a fever.

Use

• Some patients prefer white willow bark to aspirin because it can cause less stomach irritation. While aspirin is an acid, salicin does not become an acid until exposed to stomach acids.

Effectiveness

• Depending on the level of salicin in the white willow bark, the supplement is often considered as effective as aspirin in treating pain, inflammation and fever.

Availability

• White willow bark is available at health food and herbal stores as well as online.