|
Source:
White willow (Salix alba) - is indigenous to Central and Southern Europe, North America and Asia. The tree can reach heights of 75 feet and prefers to grow near streams or rivers where the soil is moist and fertile. The trees have the familiar long slender bending branches with long thin leaves highlighted by distinct yellow flowers.
Traditional uses:
Reports reveal that physicians and traditional herbalist have prescribed White willow for medicinal purposes since 500 B.C. The herb was used to treat chronic dysentery, reduction of fevers, menstrual irregularities, etc.
Physiology:
The inner bark of the tree was once harvested for salicin which was converted to salacylic acid, however, acetylsalicylic acid was eventually synthetically produced so the tree lost it popularity to aspirin. The salicylic acid in white willow bark lowers the body's levels of prostaglandins a hormone like compounds that is responsible for aches, pain, and inflammation. Many physicians and herbalist still prefer the use of White willow to that of synthetic aspirin because of the lower incidence of side effects associated with the herb. The bark also remains popular secondary to its content of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides. The high content of tannins are believed to be responsible for relieving gastrointestinal complications.
The active ingredient in White willow, salacylic acid, has a synergistic effect when combined with Ephedra to promote the thermogenic process. Thermogenesis is the rapid conversion of the food we digest into heat before the calories can be stored as fat.
Clinical Studies:
The eleutherosides mentioned above have been shown to enhance physical endurance and mental acuity without the letdown that is so commonly associate with most caffeinated products. Farnsworth NR, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD, Waller DP. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Current status as an adaptogen. In Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, ed. Wagner H, Hikino HZ, Farnsworth NR. London: Academic Press, 1985, 155–215.
Research has also shown that eleutherosides improve the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle allowing athletes to maintain aerobic exercise for longer periods, as well as, shortening recovery periods between workouts. Asano K, Takahashi T, Miyashita M, et al. Effect of Eleutherococcus senticosus extract on human working capacity. Planta Medica 1986;37:175–7.
Modern day uses:
Today, White willow is prescribe by physicians and herbal specialists for a host of conditions including the following:
Chronic dysentery
Prevention of strokes and blood clots
Arthritis - the herb reduces the swelling and inflammation associated with the arthritis, promoting increase mobility.
Fever and chills - the aspirin type properties can help break a fever.
headaches
Toothaches
Tendonitis and neuralgia
Treatment of eczem
Menstrual cramps
Muscle aches
Natural diuretic
Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. More specifically, individuals history of tinnitus (a sound in one or both ears, similar to a ringing, buzzing, whistling, etc. occurring without a an external stimulus should not use White willow. This condition is usually caused by a specific cause i.e. ear infection, the use of certain medications, blocked auditory tube/canal or head trauma), In additions individuals with the following preexisting conditions i.e. stomach irritations, bleeding disorders, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, liver/kidney disease diabetes or children under 16 years of age should definitely consult with their physician prior to taking the White willow.
White willow bark should not be taken with aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) i.e. naproxen and ibuprofen. Combining White willow and these medications may increase the chance of side effects such as stomach bleeding. Higher than commonly recommended doses of this White willow may result in stomach upset, tinnitus, nausea, etc.
|
|
