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If you're willing to try an ancient remedy
for the relief of your modern day aches and pains, an herb known as white
willow bark may be beneficial. Extracts of willow bark, the original source
of aspirin, are known to help alleviate many types of chronic pain without
the potentially dangerous side effects associated with the use of the
synthetic form of the drug.
Although aspirin is
generally safe and well-tolerated by healthy individuals in the recommended
doses, its use can produce a number of unpleasant side effects, including:
stomach upset and ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding and ringing in the
ears.
For centuries,
extracts from the bark and leaves of the white willow tree have been used to
relieve pain and reduce fever. A naturally occurring substance called
salicin is thought to be primarily responsible for the herb's medicinal
properties, although other plant compounds likely play a contributing role.
In 1897, a chemist
with the German pharmaceutical company Bayer produced a new drug using a
synthetic form of salicin. Now commonly known as aspirin, the drug was an
instant hit and is still the most widely consumed medicine in the world.
With the development
and mass production of aspirin, the use of willow bark as a pain reliever
and fever reducer fell by the wayside. Recently, however, the herb has made
a comeback, especially as a natural remedy for the treatment of chronic pain
and inflammation.
Although the extract
of willow bark is generally considered to be a slightly less potent pain
reliever than the newer anti-inflammatory drugs, including Motrin and Advil,
it also appears to be safer and better tolerated. To date, there have been
no serious toxic incidents associated with the use of willow bark, even when
the herb is taken for long periods of time.
In a study published
in the American Journal of Medicine, researchers found that willow bark was
effective in the treatment of muscular low back pain. In volunteers who
suffered back pain for a three-month duration, those receiving 240
milligrams salicin from willow bark on a daily basis reported significant
reductions in pain within seven days.
In other studies,
extract of willow bark has been shown to alleviate pain as effectively as
many prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition to
alleviating muscular aches, the herb can be beneficial in the treatment of
pain caused by osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and migraine headaches.
Because the salicin
in willow bark is metabolized by the human body rather slowly, its onset of
action is more gradual than that of many modern pain relievers. But if
you're willing to wait it out, you'll be pleased to find that the herb's
active duration is longer, as well.
Reports of adverse
side effects associated with the use of willow bark are rare. Because the
salicin in willow bark is closely related to the active ingredient in
aspirin, however, many of the same precautions apply to its use.
The herb shouldn't
be used by expecting mothers, or by folks with asthma or allergies and
people taking prescription anti-clotting drugs, including warfarin, should
probably steer clear of willow bark as well. Although willow bark extract is
much less likely to cause upset stomach than aspirin, it should still be
used with caution in individuals with ulcers or other stomach problems.
Children younger
than 16 probably should avoid using the herb until they're older. In theory,
it could trigger Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition associated
with the use of aspirin in children.
Willow bark is
available at most health food stores in several forms, including pills,
powders, tinctures and teas. Although it may sound inviting, white willow
bark tea is actually quite bitter. If your taste buds are sensitive, taking
the herb in the form of a pill or capsule may be your best bet.
Unlike willow bark
tea, the pills and capsules are more likely to deliver a standardized dose
of the active ingredient, so you can be relatively sure that the amount you
end up getting is the amount you intended to take.
Willow bark isn't a cure-all, and it isn't suitable for
everyone, but if your aches and pains aren't responding to modern medicines,
this ancient herb might provide the relief you want.
Rallie
McAllister, M.D., M.P.H., is a family physician in Kingsport, Tenn., and
author of "Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom's Guide to Keeping You and Your
Kids Trim." Her Web site is http://www.rallieonhealth.com.
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