Willow bark has been used as an alternative medicine since ancient times. It was used by the Assyrians, the Egyptians and the Greeks. To the Egyptians it was a treatment for inflammation. In Greece physicians such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen used this herb as a remedy for fever, lower back pain, inflamed joints and other pains. The Chinese used Willow bark to ease pain and reduce fever. The natives of America used it for sexual desire control.
This native tree of southern and central Europe and central and western Asia is often known as Salix alba and White willow. It is best known as nature's aspirin. There is an active ingredient called salicylic acid in aspirin that gives relief to pain. Willow bark is also found to be rich in salicylic acid.
Willow bark is effective in alleviating pain caused by inflammation. The most common complaints are joint pain, back pain, rheumatism, gout and arthritis. It is used to reduce fever and eases headache, colds and flu symptoms. Willow bark can be beneficial for weight loss because it boosts metabolism. During the colonial days the Americans used this herb as a remedy for food poisoning, gout, fever and inflammation. It is also found to be useful for gastrointestinal disorders such as heartburn, colic and sour stomach. Willow bark is an antiseptic and can be used to treat burns, wounds, cuts, sores, dandruff and tonsillitis.
Willow bark is usually safe and well tolerated. It is not a recommended herb for pregnant and nursing women. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid using Willow bark. It must not be taken by people who are undergoing operation two weeks before and after the surgery. Willow bark may cause complications with wound healing and bleeding disorder. This herb is known to interact with some medications.
Anyone that suffers from gastritis and ulcers should not use Willow bark. Do not give this herb to children with chickenpox, viral infection and fever. For those sufferers of liver or kidney conditions Willow bark is not recommended because it aggravates the problem. In addition, people who have blood clot disorders must also avoid taking this herb. Daily or long term use of Willow bark should not be undertaken. This could diminish sexual desire and cause damage to stomach, kidney and liver.
Willow bark is available as tablets, capsules, tea or tincture. The standard dosage is 400mg 3 times daily. You can make a tea by pouring 250 ml of boiling water over 1000mg of Willow bark leaves. Then let it steep for at least 5 minutes before drinking. Clinical studies have found that for a minority of migraine sufferers, using feverfew and Willow bark together produce better results.
Willow bark remains a favourite remedy by herbalists for arthritis, fevers, inflammation, headaches, body pain and heart disease. Researches have confirmed that it produces better result than aspirin. There are other active ingredients found in Willow bark that are not contained in aspirin. It also shows a longer lasting relief than aspirin and does not cause any stomach upset.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a blog with information on plants, herbs that are used as alternative medicine. Willow bark kills pain and reduces fever and Willow bark is more powerful than aspirin.
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