White Willow has been used to treat the symptoms of arthritis in conjunction with other supplements for many years. The White Willow Bark is a tree that is native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians knew that the bark of the tree had anti-inflammatory properties and could relieve pain. During the 1800s it was discovered that the active ingredient in the bark is salicin. A synthetic version of the substance, salicylic acid was produced in later years, to try to imitate the effect of salicin. The problem with salicylic acid is that it is pretty harsh on the stomach lining if taken over a period of time. This problem was partly solved when a less harsh version of salicylic acid, aspirin was developed. Despite this, aspirin is still quite tough on the stomach lining.
Over the years, White Willow (or if you like, herbal aspirin) has been used for many conditions involving pain and inflammation, such as flu, back pain, head ache, migraine and arthritis. White willow's analgesic (or pain-relieving) effect works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, a chemical that is produced by the body when you experience pain, inflammation or when you have an injury. Some sources suggest that it is even more effective than aspirin in treating inflammation. It also appears that it is not nearly as harsh on the stomach lining then the drug aspirin. It is noted that the Willow bark is slower acting than aspirin, but that the pain relieving effects lasts much longer.
Research shows that low doses of this supplement can benefit people with osteoarthritis to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the disease. This is exciting information, because most patients with arthritis fear the negative side effects of chemical medications, and are always looking for safer, more effective ways to treat their joint pain.
On study proving the efficacy of White Willow for arthritis pain was a randomised trial published in the American Journal of Medicine. Two groups took White Willow, while the other group took a placebo. 39% of the group taking the supplement were pain free for at least 5 days during the last week of the four week trial.
White Willow also benefits rheumatoid arthritis patients because of the obvious inflammation reducing effects, although some sources are hesitant to confirm such benefits for rheumatoid arthritis. It can therefore form a solid part of a joint supplement. In small doses, WW is safe to use in the long term.
Just a caution: This supplement can have some of the same side effects as aspirin, although it is typically not a problem for most people. So if you show any sensitivity to taking aspirin, it is not advisable to take this supplement.
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