White Willow Bark for Back Pain 

 

The use of white willow bark for back pain is really not a new concept. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this remedy has been used for thousands of years and offers several benefits to users. The delayed mechanism of action makes this a great natural remedy for those who suffer from occasional or chronic back pain.

Necessary Dosage for Relief

For effective relief of pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is recommended that adults use 60-240 milligrams a day. Forms of white willow include powder, capsule, tincture and dry herb form. The dried herb form is typically used to make a tea. There are no suggested dosages for children because willow bark is generally not recommended for the pediatric population due to risk of Reyes Syndrome.

Potential Side Effects

One of the great things about willow bark is that the side effects are generally mild and similar to those of aspirin. They may include, but are not limited to, nausea or upset stomach, ulcers and sometimes stomach bleeding. These effects are not common and are typically related to overuse. Those that are allergic to aspirin should not use willow bark in any form as a reaction can occur.

Another important consideration is medication interaction. As with aspirin, white willow extract can be considered a blood thinner. Those that already take anticoagulant medications or suffer from certain health conditions should talk to their doctor before starting therapy with white willow.

Other Common Uses

Back pain is just one of the many conditions that white willow bark can treat. Research suggests that supplementation can be used to treat many illnesses that are associated with pain or the inflammation response. Herbalists have been known to medicate with this supplement to treat flu, bursitis, tendinitis, fever and even common aches and pains, such as menstrual cramps. 

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