Did you know that the investigation into the willow tree’s bark led to the discovery of Asprin? Willow bark, straight from the tree, can be used as a natural pain reliever and an alternative to drugs such as Asprin. Don’t have a willow tree nearby? Don’t worry! You can purchase willow bark in the form of a powder, a tincture, or even in strips. Then, all you do is add it to water in order to consume it and to treat your pain.
How Does Willow Bark Work as a Natural Pain Remedy?
The use of willow bark dates to the time of Hippocrates, 400 BC, when people were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. Willow bark’s ability to relieve pain is due to its salicin content. Once salicin is digested by the body, it is metabolized into salicylic acid. Salicylic acid reduces pain and inflammation in the body by inhibiting inflammation.
Furthermore, willow bark contains a complex mixture of biologically active compounds. These compounds include antibacterial tannins and antioxidant flavonoids, both which add to the inflammatory and analgesic effects of willow bark.
Willow Bark or Asprin? What is the Difference?
Willow bark is all-natural and is beneficial over Aspirin for this reason. Aspirin is synthetically produced and can have many side effects such as bleeding of the stomach lining. Willow bark will not damage the stomach lining as Asprin does.
Furthermore, Asprin can reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Willow bark does not do this, and this is a benefit for many people.
Is Willow Bark Safe?
If you are allergic to Asprin, it is safe to say that you should avoid willow bark.
If you take blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, you should avoid willow bark.
Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking willow bark for pain relief, especially if you are taking other medications.
What Are the Side Effects of Willow Bark?
Some people who use willow bark for pain relief report fatigue, nasuea, and black stools. The high tannin level in willow is what can cause nausea.
However, there is some evidence that it can cause less gastrointestinal side effects than other pain relievers do.
Treatments for Willow Bark
1. Headache
Willow bark has been reported by users for the relief of headaches. Studies have not confirmed this, however.
2. Lower Back Pain
Willow bark is reported by users to be ideal for treating back pain. In a study of 200 people who experienced lower back pain who took willow, a significant number reported a reduction in their pain. Those who took more willow bark experienced better pain relief than those who received a lower dose.
3. Osteoarthritis
Several studies noted that willow is more effective at decreasing pain from osteoarthritis than a placebo. Those who took the bark to relieve their pain experienced significant pain relief compared to those who did not receive the bark.
In conclusion, willow bark might be able to reduce your pain effectively. You can find it at holistic health stores and from online retailers.
You can also find all natural pain relief balms from Zen Sports Balm. Our balms are made with the finest, all-natural, pain-relieving ingredients such as essential oils. To see more how Zen works, take a look at our “How It Works” page. We offer a balm for all lifestyles. To find the perfect pain-relieving balm for you, take a look at our all-natural product line. We want you to live pain-free!
*Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition. Therefore, ask your doctor about any health concerns that you might have and seek proper medical treatment.
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