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White Willow Bark Extract 15% Capsules

What is White Willow Bark Extract?

White willow (L. Salix alba), also known as the salicin willow, has been used for its health benefits for thousands of years. White willow bark extract contains salicin, a compound traditionally used as an analgesic for pain relief.

Some of the more commonly known species of the willow family native to Europe, Asia, and some parts of North America are white willow/European willow (Salix alba), black willow (Salix nigra), crack willow (Salix fragilis), purple willow (Salix purpurea), and weeping willow (Salix babylonica).

The use of willow bark for health benefits goes back to the time of the Greek philosopher Hippocrates, when people suffering from fever and inflammation were advised to chew on the bark to relieve their ailments. Willow bark has also been used throughout the centuries in China and Europe.

White willow bark extract contains salicin, a chemical similar to a compound in aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid.) However, it does not thin the blood or aggravate the inner lining of the stomach like aspirin does.

Health Benefits of White Willow Bark Extract

White willow offers a natural alternative to commercially prepared synthetic salicin preparations. Salicin is a precursor to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and has similar analgesic properties.

Salicin and other components of willow bark, including tannins, flavonoids and glycosides, have antioxidant effects and protect cell membranes from the damage that can be caused by free radical molecules in the body.

Suggested Use of White Willow Bark Extract

The suggested serving size for White Willow bark extract is 400 milligrams to 1600 milligrams taken once daily, depending on individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for White Willow Bark Extract 15%here, which shows 1/8 teaspoon equals 427 milligrams. For a serving size of 1600 milligrams, take a little less than 1/2 teaspoon.

Purebulk's White Willow Bark Extract is standardized to contain at least 15% of the active component, salicin. A serving of 1600 milligrams will provide 240 milligrams of salicin.

Contraindications/Interactions with White Willow Bark Extract

Do not administer white willow to children to treat fever resulting from cold, flu, or chickenpox because it is not known if white willow (like aspirin) could trigger Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal condition in children. People with ulcers or gastrointestinal conditions should not use white willow without first consulting their doctor because white willow may aggravate symptoms or cause stomach upset in some sensitive individuals. Those taking blood thinners (oral anticoagulants) should avoid this herb also, as it may increase the action of these medications.

Patients sensitive to aspirin should avoid any product that contains willow. This also applies to patients with asthma, impaired thrombocyte function, vitamin K antagonistic treatment, diabetes, gout, hemophilia, kidney or liver conditions, peptic ulcer disease, and in any other medical conditions where aspirin is contraindicated. Those who are pregnant or lactating should also avoid use because of the lack of information regarding safety and efficacy during pregnancy and lactation. In general, drug interactions associated with salicylates may apply to willow-containing products. Willow may interact with seizure medications and other medications such as methotrexate.

Potential Side Effects of White Willow Bark Extract

White willow bark extract is safe at suggested serving sizes. Stomach ache, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are potential side effects of all compounds containing salicylates. Excess intake of willow bark may cause skin rash, stomach inflammation/irritation, dizziness, vomiting, kidney inflammation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of White Willow Bark Extract

To make white willow tea at home, mix your powdered bark serving into hot water. White willow bark extract tastes rather bitter, but it's okay to add sugar or honey to taste. For those who prefer to avoid the bitter taste, Purebulk offers White Willow bark capsules.

Natural salicin is more available to the body than synthetic salicin derivatives such as aspirin ( acetylsalicylic acid.)

How should I store it?

You will receive a resealable bag of this powder. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Willow Bark



NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.

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