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Willow

General Information

OTHER NAMES: Willow tree, Salix, salicylic acid


HISTORY: The first Aspirin-like compound (salicylic acid) came from a willow tree and was used around 3000-1500 BC, in Egypt, Sumer and Assyria used to reduce pain. Ancient Greece discovered its medicinal properties and, centuries later, scientists discovered that willow could be used to reduce fevers as well. Teas were made from willow leaves, roots, and willow bark. By the 1800's the product was further perfected by pharmacists - Bayer came out with the extremely popular pain relieving product, "Aspirin".


PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory (NSAID), antipyretic, antithrombotic (anti-clotting), antioxidant, antiseptic, analgesic

Considered Uses

Respiratory: Congestion, flu, cold symptoms


Gastrointestinal: Toothaches


Genitourinary: Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)


Musculoskeletal: Back pain, joint pain, osteoarthritis, gout, myalgia, rheumatoid arthritis


Neurologic: Headache


Other: Obesity, fever


                                                            *   *   *


SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, kidney failure (large amounts), stomach upset, itching, rash, increased bleeding, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea


CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Should not be used by those sensitive to aspirin, stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma, liver disease, kidney problems, clotting disorders, people on blood thinners


FORMS: Extracts, salves, capsules, powders, solids (bark), creams


RECOMMENDED BRANDS

No available recommended brands at this time


DOSAGES:

Dosage: As directed

Reported doses – May NOT be supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on label.


  • Back Pain: 120-240 salicin by mouth once daily

  • Joint Pain: 80 mg by mouth 3 times daily (willow bark extract)

  • Osteoarthritis: 120-240 mg by mouth daily

  • Average daily dosage corresponding to 60 - 120 mg total salicin


Note: German Commission E approved for fever, rheumatism, headaches

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, please do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Willow

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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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