White willow bark - Salix Alba - by Ray Sahelian, M.D. White Willow bark side effects

The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a substance similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Salicin may be the chemical involved in the pain-reliving and anti-inflammatory effects of the white willow herb. In fact, in the 1800s, salicin was used to develop aspirin. White willow bark extract does appear to have some analgesic properties.

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White willow bark composition
White willow bark contains salicin.

White willow bark side effects
No major white willow bark side effects have been reported in the medical literature except for anaphylaxis in a person who was allergic to aspirin. It is possible, though, that white willow bark may have similar side effects to aspirin. Some of these side effects could include stomach ache, ringing in the ears, nausea, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

White Willow Bark Research Update
Anaphylactic reaction to a dietary supplement containing willow bark.
Ann Pharmacother. 2003 Jun;37(6):832-5. Boullata JI, McDonnell PJ, Oliva CD. School of Pharmacy, Temple University Health Sciences Center, Philadelphia, PA 19140
To report a case of anaphylaxis resulting from the use of a willow bark -containing dietary supplement in a patient with a history of an aspirin allergy. A 25-year-old white woman presented to the emergency department of a community teaching hospital with anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine, diphenhydramine, methylprednisolone, and volume resuscitation to which she responded favorably. Medication history revealed that she had ingested 2 capsules of Stacker 2 (NVE Pharmaceuticals, Newton, NJ), a dietary supplement promoted for weight loss, prior to experiencing her initial symptoms. Among other active ingredients, this product contains willow bark. Of significance is that this patient also reported a history of allergy to acetylsalicylic acid. No other causes for anaphylaxis were identified. She continued to receive routine supportive care and the remaining hospital course was uncomplicated. The popular product consumed by our patient is used for weight loss and contains willow bark, a source of salicylates. Based on the Naranjo probability scale, it is probable that this case of anaphylaxis was due to this dietary supplement. The use of any willow bark -containing dietary supplement may present a risk of anaphylactic reaction to patients with a history of allergy to salicylates. Clinicians need to recognize the potential for adverse effects from dietary supplements.

White Willow herb raw material suppliers carry:
White Willow powder
White Willow bark extract 15%
White Willow bark extract 25%

White Willow Herb questions
Q. Can white willow herb be used the same time as ahcc supplement?
   A. We have not seen any studies with this combination, so it is difficult to say for sure.

white willow tree