White willow bark is an alternative pain-relief remedy that has been used for thousands of years. It functions similarly to aspirin and works as an anti-inflammatory. It has been found in clinical trials to be beneficial in treating low-back pain, headaches and arthritis It comes in dried herb, liquid, powder, capsule and tablet form. The typical dosage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is 3 to 4 cups of tea a day when using dried herb, 60 to 240 mg in capsule or tablet form, and 4 to 6 ml of the liquid form per day.

On the Other: Warnings and Side Effects

If you have sensitivity to aspirin, you should not take willow bark. If you have asthma, diabetes, poor blood clotting, kidney problems, liver disease or ulcers, you should avoid white willow bark. Just as with aspirin and any other medications, there is a risk of toxicity from taking too much. Watch for nausea, blood in the stool, vomiting, kidney pain and tinnitus. Since willow bark is a salicyte, it can interact with barbiturates, sedatives, alcohol, seizure medications and other salicyte-containing medicines. Possible side effects include upset stomach, rash and dizziness.

Bottom Line

Always take the recommended dosage of white willow bark. Since its effectiveness is similar to aspirin, it should be treated as such. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, white willow bark was found to have similar results in treating low-back pain as aspirin but with less supported evidence. Drugs.com says that white willow bark works slower than aspirin. Discuss any and all medications with a doctor before taking them.

Source:

University of Maryland Medical Center: Willow Bark

Drugs.com: Willow Bark

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine