While there are various prescription medications to treat painful conditions, natural remedies provide another avenue worth exploring. White willow, one of the oldest known herbs, has been used for centuries to help alleviate bodily pain, fevers, inflammation and arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the smaller joints in the hands, feet, and wrists, causing bone erosion and joint deformity. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), affects primarily older people. Wear and tear in the joints (knees, hips, back, hands and neck) cause stiffness, inflammation and pain.
White Willow as a Natural Pain Remedy
The white willow, a deciduous tree with green tapering leaves, is found in central and southern Europe as well as Africa, Asia and North America and grows to about 80 feet. The bark is grayish-brown and the leaves are covered with silky white hair. Chinese doctors used the bark of the white willow tree as far back as 500 B.C. The willow has also been used by Native American, Egyptian and Greek healers. The willow's bark was investigated scientifically in the 19th century by French chemist Leroux, who extracted and analyzed a substance that he named salicin. This substance was later turned it into a synthetic version that led to the formulation of Bayer aspirin.
How Does White Willow Work?
Salicin, the active ingredient in the inner bark of a white willow tree, changes to salicylic acid in the body. White willow bark contains up to 11 percent of this pain relieving, aspirin-like substance. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM.edu) states studies have shown that "willow is more effective at reducing pain from osteoarthritis than placebo. In 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 had significant pain relief compared to those who received placebo."
According to WebMD.com, white willow is a "potential anti-inflammatory agent," along with green tea extract, tumeric, guercetin, ginger and boswellia. White willow is believed to help treat inflammatory conditions (arthritis and rheumatism), headaches, fevers, generalized pain, neuralgia and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea. Web MD also says, "Herbs and supplements haven't been studied in the same way that prescription medicines for RA have. Theres a tremendous disconnect between their widespread usage and peoples belief in their efficacy compared to what weve actually proven scientifically."
Uses and Dosage of White Willow
The white willow bark is prepared in capsules, powder, tea, tincture or tablets. The recommended daily dosage is up to six 400 mg capsules or 3 to 4 cups of tea (1 to 2 tsp. dried bark in 8 oz. water) or 4 to 6 mL of tincture (1:5, 30 percent alcohol) three times daily, according to the University of Maryland, UMM.edu. White willow formulas should be used cautiously during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Side Effects of White Willow
The side effects of white willow tend to be few and mild, although there is a potential for stomach upset or bleeding and ulcers. Overdoses can cause stomach inflammation or irritation, kidney inflammation, skin rash or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Those allergic or sensitive to salicylates (such as aspirin) should not take white willow. Also, taking white willow can interact with other herbs or drugs, such as anticoagulants, beta blockers, diuretics, NSAIs and methotrexates. Consult your doctor before taking.
Other Ways to Combat Arthritis
Other methods that may provide some relief from arthritis include: 1. Eliminate simple sugars and sweeteners, refined grains (white bread, white pasta, white rice), preservatives, coloring and additives from the diet. Stop eating nightshade vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants and bell peppers---these have been clinically correlated with increased rates of inflammation and arthritis. 2. Add supplements to your daily routine. Take one to two grams of flax oil every day and 500 to 1,000 mg of glucosamine daily. According to WebMD.com, probiotics have shown promise in rheumatoid arthritis. 3. Most health experts recommend low impact exercise. Start as slowly as needed, once a week, then work your way up to 30 minutes daily. Gentle yoga classes have been a feasible option for many, and are useful in quieting the mind as well. 4. Try ice or heating pads---ice for inflammation or moist heat for achy, painful areas. 5. Topical lotions and gels can provide temporary relief and are safe to use as directed.
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