Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Hi Pearlmoon, This is very long. Hope this helps ya, Don Quai Economic Importance The bark of this tree is of the utmost importance. Salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin, can be extracted from the bark of the willow. Other medicinal uses for the bark of this tree are as an anti-inflammatory agent, to heal articular bleeding, and to ease heartburn or stomach ailments (4). Ethnobotanical and Cultural Information Various species of the willow exist. Many different species have cultural significance and uses. Ancient Chinese, European, and American Indian people have used the bark of the Weeping Willow as a fever reducer (1). The American Indians found that it induced perspiration, and some even drank or bathed in an infusion of the roots for use of its medicinal properties (6). And this: Willow Bark Botanical Name: There are several species of willow includingSalix alba, Salix nigra, Salix fragilis, Salix purpurea, Salix babylonica Common Names: White Willow, European Willow, Black Willow, Pussy Willow, Crack Willow, Purple Willow, Weeping Willow, Liu-zhi Overview Plant Description Medicinal Uses and Indications Dosage and Administration Precautions Interactions and Depletions Supporting Research Overview The use of willow bark dates back to the time of Hippocrates (400 BC) when patients were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. Willow bark has been used throughout the centuries in China and Europe, and continues to be used by herbalists today for the treatment of fever, pain (particularly low back pain), headache, and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Although the bark of the white willow is most commonly used medicinally, the bark of related species, such as black willow, have been shown to have the same beneficial effects. Plant Description The willow family includes a number of different species of deciduous trees and shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and some parts of North America. Some of the more commonly known are white willow/European willow (Salix alba), black willow/pussy willow ( Salix nigra), crack willow (Salix fragilis), purple willow (Salix purpurea), and weeping willow (Salix babylonica). The willow bark sold in Europe and the United States usually includes a combination of the bark from white, purple, and crack willows. Medicinal Uses and Indications Willow bark's most important medicinal qualities are its ability to ease pain and reduce inflammation. In fact, it was from salicylic acid, one of the ingredients in willow bark, that aspirin was originally synthesized. Studies have identified several other components of willow bark which have antioxidant, fever-reducing, antiseptic, and immune-boosting effects. Treatment Studies suggest that willow bark may be useful for the following conditions: HeadacheWillow bark has been shown to relieve headaches and some experts suggest that it may be preferable to certain conventional therapies such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, which have been linked to serious gastrointestinal side effects. Large-scale studies are necessary to fully determine the safety and effectiveness of willow bark for chronic or recurrent headaches, however. Low Back PainIn a study of nearly 200 people with low back pain, participants who received willow bark experienced a significant improvement in pain compared to those who received placebo. Moreover, participants who received higher doses of willow bark (240 mg salicin) had more significant pain relief than those who received low doses (120 mg salicin). OsteoarthritisIn a small study of people with osteoarthritis of the neck or lower back, those who received willow bark experienced significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who received placebo. A similar study of 78 patients hospitalized with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip joint found that patients who received willow bark experienced significant pain relief compared to those who received placebo. Other ConditionsSome professional herbalists may recommend willow bark for the following conditions, although at present, no scientific studies have been conducted to support these uses: Sexual dysfunction Mild diarrhea with cramps Fever Flu Tendonitis Bursitis Ankylosing spondylitis (a form of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the lower spine) Dosage and Administration Pediatric The use of willow bark in children has not been evaluated in well-designed scientific studies. Some researchers speculate that the salicin in willow may increase the risk for Reye's syndrome (a serious condition that affects the liver and sometimes the brain and which is marked by recurrent vomiting). Although there is no documented evidence that the herb can cause such a serious condition, it is recommended that willow bark not be used by children with flu-like symptoms, chickenpox, fever, or dehydration until conclusive evidence shows that there is no risk. Adult General dosing guidelines for willow bark are as follows: Dried herb (used to make tea): boil 1 to 2 tsp of dried bark in 8 oz of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; let steep for ½ hour; drink 3 to 4 cups daily Powdered herb (available in capsules): 1 to 3 g daily Tincture (1:5, 30% alcohol): 4 to 6 mL three times per day Standardized extract: tablets or liquid containing 60 to 240 mg of salicin once a day Precautions Because willow bark contains salicin, people who are allergic or sensitive to salicylates (such as aspirin) should not use willow bark. Although the scientific evidence is inconclusive, some researchers suggest that people with asthma, diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, and stomach ulcers should also avoid willow bark. If you have any of these conditions, be sure to consult your healthcare provider before taking willow bark. Side Effects There is no evidence of adverse effects associated with willow bark. However, side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and ulcers are potentially associated with all compounds containing salicylates. Overdoses of willow bark may cause skin rash, stomach inflammation/irritation, nausea, vomiting, kidney inflammation, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Salicyclates are not recommended during pregnancy, so it may be wise for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid willow bark. Interactions and Depletions Because willow bark contains salicylates, it has the potential to interact with blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin. People who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should avoid the use of willow bark althogether, except under strict medical supervision. Supporting Research Bisset NG. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart, Germany: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 1994:437-439. Blaschek W, von Bruchhausen F, Ebel S, et al. Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis [in German]. Berlin, Germany: Springer; 1998:469-477. Blumenthal M. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998. Bjornsson, T. 1475. An Icelandic medical manuscript tr. by Larsen 1931, cited in Erichsen-Brown C. Use of Plants for the Past 500 Years. Toronto, Canada: Breezy Creek Press; 1979. Bradley PR. British Herbal Compendium. Volume 1. London: British Herbal Medicine Association; 1997. Chrubasik S. Pain therapy using herbal medicines [abstract]. Gynakologe.2000;33(1):59-64. Chrubasik S, Eisenburg E, Balan E, Weinberger T, Luzzati R, Conradt C. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double blind study. Am J Med. 2000;109:9-14 Duke J. Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Database. Beltsville, Md: USDA; 2000. U.S. Department of Agriculture website: http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke. Accessed on April 26, 2001. Ernst E, Chrubasik S. Phyto-anti-inflammatories. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2000;26(1):13-27. FDA supplements associated with illnesses and injuries. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. FDA Consumer (Sept.-Oct. 1998). Available at: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov. Accessed April 13, 2001. Foster S, Duke JA. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of the Eastern and Central US. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin; 2000:321-323. Gruenwald J, Brendler BA, Christof J, et al. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics; 1999:1111-1112. Heck AM, DeWitt BA, Lukes AL. Potential interactions between alternative therapies and warfarin. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2000;57(13):1221-1227. Hoffman D. The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal. A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. Brisbane, Australia: Element Books Limited; 1996. Hoffmann D. Therapeutic Herbalism. Santa Cruz,Calif: Therapeutic Herbalism Press; 2000. Hsu Hong-Yen, Chen Yuh-Pan. Oriental Materia Medica: A Concise Guide. Long Beach Calif: Oriental Healing Arts Institute; 1986. Kuhn MA, Winston D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2001. Lad V, Frawley D. The Yoga of Herbs. Santa Fe, NM: Lotus Press; 1986. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, Fla: CRC Press; 1997:101. Mills S. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. Rochester, Vt: Healing Arts Press; 1988. Newmark TM, Schulick P. Beyond Aspirin: Nature's Answer to Arthritis, Cancer & Alzheimer's Disease. Prescott, Ariz: Hohm Press; 2000. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996:268-270. Schilcher H. Phytotherapy in Paediatrics: Handbook for Physicians and Pharmacists. Stuttgart, Germany: Medpharm; 1997. Weiss RF; Meuss AR, trans. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers; 1994:302-303. - pearlmoon herbal remedies Tuesday, February 11, 2003 7:17 PM [herbal remedies] Weeping Willow Does any part of the weeping willow tree have medicinal value? PearlmoonFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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