The use of willow bark dates back to the time of Hippocrates (400BC), when patients were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation.
Willow bark has been used for centuries in China and Europe and continues to be used today for the treatment of pain (particularly lower-back pain and osteoarthritis), headache and inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis.
The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
White willow acts slower than aspirin but effects have been seen to last longer. Salicin was discovered by German and French scientists in 1828.
Description
The willow family includes a number of species of deciduous trees and shrubs native to Europe, Asia and parts of North America.
The white willow, or the European willow (Salix alba), is one of the more common varieties.
The tree grows up to 23 metres in height and the bark, sold in Europe and the United States, is usually a combination of the bark from the white, purple and crack willows.
What it does
The salicin from the bark is turned into salicylic acid in the body, which reduces pain, fever and inflammation.
This herb has fewer side-effects than aspirin. Those suffering from arthritis may use it to reduce swelling and joint pain.
How to take it
You can buy white willow bark in the form of tablets, capsules and herb teas. Look for extracts that contains 15 per cent salicin, which, if taken in the right dosage, is safe.
Caution
The herb should not be taken with aspirin, as it will amplify the effect, and not be given to children under 16 or pregnant women. Consult a doctor before taking supplements.
Q:My husband has been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland. What are the herbs that will help?
- Narghis
A:Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland. The symptoms are urinary frequency, accompanied sometimes by discomfort.
The saw palmetto herb helps inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which makes cells in the prostate gland multiply, thereby enlarging the gland.
Nettle root (not to be confused with nettle leaf) may help increase urinary flow and reduce discomfort. Zinc is also important for a healthy prostate.
Drink at least two litres of water or herbal teas such as dandelion leaf, horsetail or nettle leaf every day to ensure that your kidneys and bladder are regularly emptied. This is to avoid urinary-tract infections.
Alva Carpenter is a UK-based nutritionist and fitness expert.
Readers can write to her at AlvaUnwind@naturalhealthlines.com and a selection will be replied to in this column.
