IN PLACE OF ASPRIN White Willow trees are native to central and southern Europe, although like many other medicinal plants early colonists introduced them into North America. The silvery bark from two- to three-year-old twigs of the white willow is sometimes called "natural aspirin" because it is used much like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to relieve pain and reduce fever. The aspirin-like effect of white willow bark is no coincidence-white willow bark is a natural source of salicin, a chemical relative of the compound used to make aspirin. Native American tribes were using indigenous willow species for pain and fever by the 17th century and probably knew of these medicinal effects before the arrival of Europeans. Willow was a popular herb among Colonial Americans to reduce inflammation and fever and to treat ailments ranging from gout to food poisoning. Willow leaves were also sometimes used in remedies for colic and other conditions. Ointments with willow bark were used topically for cuts and burns. Dosage: A white willow tea can be prepared from 1-2 grams of bark boiled in 200 ml of water for ten minutes. Five or more cups of this tea can be drunk per day. Tincture is also used, commonly in the amount of 1-2 ml three times per day. Willow extracts standardized for salicin content are also available. The daily intake of salicin is typically 60-120 mg per day. Are there any side effects or interactions? Long-term use of willow is not advisable, as it may cause some of the same problems that aspirin does— primarily stomach ulcers. However, willow is much safer than aspirin. bullet Safety White willow bark remedies are in general less potent than aspirin. Some herbalists nevertheless contend that to be on the safe side white willow bark should share aspirin's cautions and contraindications. Thus, white willow bark shouldn't be given to children who have a fever that may be due to certain viral illnesses including influenza, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. White willow bark should also be avoided by pregnant women, children under the age of two, and anyone with ulcers. Side effects are infrequent but may include nausea, diarrhea, and digestive upset. Excessive long-term use could cause stomach ulcers. |