Sold as a dietary supplement, herbal tea, or topical ointment
Common uses
pain
inflammation
fibromyalgia
rheumatoid arthritis
Health Benefits
Willow bark's analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties
Arthritis - osteoarthritis ("wear-and-tear arthritis")
Low Back Pain - effective in treating acute low back pain.
Weight Loss - proved effective in enhancing athletic performance and burning fat.
Dosage and Preparation
There are no guidelines directing the appropriate use of willow bark. Generally speaking, oral doses of up to 400 mg per day are considered safe and effective for the short-term treatment of muscle or joint pain.
Possible Side Effects
Willow bark is considered safe for short-term use.
The safety of willow bark during pregnancy is unknown, so it is best to avoid it if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Allergy
An allergic response to willow bark is also possible, especially in those with a known allergy to aspirin,on rare occasion.
Drug Interactions
Willow bark may slow blood clotting and prolong bleeding time - you would need to stop taking willow bark two weeks before scheduled surgery to avoid excessive bleeding.
Willow bark contains chemicals similar to the non-steroidal painkillers, taking willow bark with these drugs can amplify their side effects, including stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.