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.