White Willow (also known as Salix Alba in Latin), also called weeping willow, has been celebrated for its pain and inflammation alleviating abilities for hundreds of years. Salicin is contained within the white willow tree’s bark, an analgesic compound that acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is derived from. Today, herbalists often suggest white willow bark for its benefits in dealing with headache, temperature, arthritis, and other disorders characterized by irritation and pain, including cardiovascular disease.
White willow might be a better alternative for all those who get stomachaches from aspirin, or for those who are managing chronic pain problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, although aspirin works quicker.
Low doses of aspirin are now suggested by various doctors to avoid heart attack. Aspirin thins the blood, which could help to prevent any blood clots that can trigger a stroke and heart attacks. Drinking tea from willow bark might have the same benefits, without increasing the chance of stomach ulcers and bleeding. White willow is also capable of preventing irritation and uterine cramping that prostaglandins causes.
Like aspirin, white willow may reduce the chance of colon and abdomen cancer. In a single research, it was also proven to reduce blood sugar levels.
White Willow Bark Side Effects
It may be used in place of aspirin to be able to prevent some severe side effects connected with aspirin such as aggravation of the gastrointestinal tract. Nevertheless, it should also have proper attention just like aspirin, and one should strictly follow particular recommendations regarding its use.
Its long-term use can cause a lot of the negative effects often associated with aspirin although it’s gentler on the abdomen. The extract from this herb needs to be especially avoided by people who have an aspirin allergy, or those who might be sensitive to salicylates. A few of the most frequent unwanted effects are upset stomach, stomach ulcers, and occasionally stomach bleeding.
Getting the extract in extra quantity may cause, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and cramps. Like aspirin, this infusion may also trigger tinnitus or a ringing sensation within the ears, which generally resolves when usage of this natural medication is discontinued. Additional negative effects are discomfort from liver toxicity, headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal tract and scarcely, renal or kidney injury.
Kidney injury can show in a person’s temperature, excessive perspiration, vomiting and nausea, drowsiness, discomfort in the rear or flank area, trouble in urinating, abdominal pain and elevated heart rate. In addition to these, an allergic response can happen in particular persons, which can trigger itching, swelling and breathing trouble.
Kids under the age of sixteen years shouldn’t be provided with the natural infusion of the white willow tree’s bark. Like aspirin, this natural medication also can raise the risk for developing Reye’s syndrome. It is also a blood thinner, which means that it isn’t advised for individuals who are now taking anticoagulant medications. Even individuals having liver, asthma, hemophilia, stomach ulcers, gastritis, diabetes and kidney ailments, as well as persons taking anti – seizure medicines and potassium – sparing diuretics should not utilize this natural extract to prevent the significant side effects. Those who are nursing or pregnant should avoid it.