Willow Bark Question
Here is the question we received from Barbara:
Hi,
I am new to the study of herbs in healing and prefer to learn from knowledgeable
people than just scanning the net. I am looking for opinions on using willow
bark tea instead of taking aspirin as this really is causing stomach problems.
Also, I have some basic books, but would like opinions on good reference books.
Thanks in advance.
Barbara
Willow bark will cause the same problems as aspirin.
Meadowsweet is gentler.
However, I’d question the need to use any of those long-term (or even
short-term) … preferring to address the _cause_ of the problem, rather than
one or the other symptom (headache? musle ache? something else? Why do you
have those?)
Luck!
H. (‘course, meadowsweet in salves is outstanding for all sorts of aches and
pains. Bruises, sprains, muscle ache, whatever.)
Hi Barbara,
One can have trouble in substituting herbs for drugs (like willow for aspirin) in that the herbs themselves are more than just little drugs, and are composed of a broad array of constituents and have many actions. Also,as was mentioned, one would probably want to look deeper into the need for the aspirin use, as generally, but not always, Willow is used fairly acutely. If the individual is taking the Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)for its anti-platelet effects for example (eg to prevent heart attack or strokes from blood clots), no Salix sp. will do this effectively, as the plant based salicylates are not the same as the synthesized drug. If the individual is using Aspirin for ant-inflammatory type effects, then willow can work, if its the right plant/sp..
Here in the Pacific Northwest, I find the Salix sp. to basically function as strong astringents, and not to work well for reducing pain, fever, or inflammation, except in particular cases. I would probably go for Salix Alba (White Willow)if one wants to be sure and get the full Salix effect, though others may work just as well for some.
Related to, The “aspirin causing stomach problems”…this is definitely a huge concern, as Aspirin, and other NSAIDS cause thousands of deaths per year, mostly from GI bleeding. This would be one great benefit of switching from drug to herb (or drug to no drug for that matter)… A huge reduction in side effects and adverse reactions!
Anyhow, beyond the specific indications for willow, you may want additionally evaluate the herb more humorally/energetically if possible too. Salix is notably cold and dry. It will suck moisture from mucous membranes generally, and may contribute to an organic feeling of cold in client, or may have other effects. It could be great for the right person, and notsomuch for the wrong… Of course there is always more, but there’s a few thoughts.
Take care,
Yaakov Sletteland,clinical herbalist, WEMT-I
NorthwestPhytotherapy
Junction City, OR
Henriette wrote:
Willow bark will cause the same problems as aspirin.
Meadowsweet is gentler.
…..individual is taking the Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)for its anti-platelet effects for example (eg to prevent heart attack or strokes from blood clots), no Salix sp. will do this effectively, as the plant based salicylates are not the same as the synthesized drug.
Thank you for your replies…..I am taking the aspirin as a result of heart failure. I have no clogged arteries, my heart “dance” was due to the stress of grief. After starting with baby aspirin my dr upped it to full aspirin and the problems started. A friend suggested checking into willow bark as I really prefer anything natural to the synthetics. I found your group to gain knowledge instead of just jumping in and thrashing around. I am very unhappy with the regiment of drugs they have me on and want to be rid of the side effects.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
Firstly one needs to use Salix alba. Salix nigra has other properties and is not anti-inflammatory.
I have used Salix alba for many, many years with patients with arthritis as an anti-inflammatory. I find it is necessay to use the fluid extract 1:1, tinctures are just not strong enough to have a significant impact. As a fluid extract it is excellent as an anti-inflammatory.
Salix does not have the problems asprin has i.e. causing gastric irritation since its constituents are balanced. I have never had a problem in this regard, neither to my knowledge have any other herbalists.
Filipendula is also rich in salycytic acid but has more of an impact on the digestive system normalising hydrochloric acid output and so is excellent for hypergastric conditions prescribed together with Althea which acts as a demulcent. I sometimes use Filipendula as an anti-inflammatory but only in conjunction with other herbs.
I hope this helps.