The Non- Aspirin Pain Relief Alternate- Willow Bark

If one gets a bump or bruise or has a headache, the first thing most of the general public will do is reach for that bottle of aspirin or acetaminophen. The question of why they feel this pain is never questioned, but the urge for instant satisfaction of relief is all they care about.

When it comes to bumps and bruises, the cause is typically evident by the trauma one encountered which caused that bump or bruise. Headaches can be much more complicated as they can be caused by an array of problems; such as dehydration (most common), hormonal imbalance, infection, etc.

The goal of treatment of pain should not be in relieving the symptom but the goal instead should be to fix the cause. By fixing the cause the symptoms will dissipate completely.

However, at times correcting the cause may take longer than anticipated and some relief may be sought out. If one is hit with say a baseball in the thigh, the pain may prohibit one from performing certain daily activities until the bruise heals to a satisfactory point that the individual can once again engage in those activities.

By reaching for the bottle of aspirin or acetaminophen, one can encounter the possibility of several negative effects. One of these side effects of acetaminophen is liver damage. The liver is where acetaminophen is detoxified, and in large doses can be hepatotoxic.[1] The use of alcohol can increase this effect.

In studies looking at aspirin use, it has been demonstrated that even in low dosages, aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding from the development of peptic ulcers[2]. Additionally, the mechanism by which aspirin works interferes with the healing process, tinnitus[3], and other side effects.

What might be a safer alternative you say? Lets take a look at white willow bark. White willow bark is composed of several species of willow tree including Salix alba, Salix nigra, Salix fragilis, Salix purpurea, and others. Typically Salix alba is the most commonly used.[4]

It is stated that willow bark was commonly used during the time of Hippocrates. Patients were advised to chew on the bark to relieve pain and fever.

The herb can be used to relieve the symptoms of headache, pain, myalgia, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It is also used for symptoms associated with fever, common cold, influenza, swine flu, and can also be used in a supplement stack for weight loss.[5],[6], [7], [8]

Research suggests that willow bark extracts have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects, which will help reduce symptoms being caused by the root problem within.[9]

The active component of willow bark is believed to be salicin. Salicin is metabolized to salicyl alcohol and then to salicylic acid. At this point, the metabolism is virtually the same as aspirin.[10]

An ethanolic extract of willow bark seems to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mediated prostaglandin release, but it appears to have no direct effect COX-1 or COX-2 activity. Other than salicin, the other components of willow bark have lipoxygenase-inhibiting and antioxidant effects that could contribute to its analgesic effects.[11]

As with all things, there are some possible side effects. Even with herbs which are organic and “all natural”, side effects are present. Due to the chemical composition similarity, willow bark extract has the ability to cause gastrointestinal adverse effects, but these appear to be less frequent than those caused by NSAID. [12], [13]

While there are alternatives to commonly used drugs, remember that humans for hundreds to thousands of years used these so called “alternatives” before the development of pharmaceuticals. The more commonly used medicines should be considered the alternative. It’s the “alternative” that ultimately should have the better publicist.

It is important to keep in mind that before trying any new herb, be sure to consult with a competent healthcare practitioner.

[1] Worst Pills Best Pills Newsletter: “New Study Links Signs of Possible Liver Damage to Lower Doses of Acetaminophen, Supporting Previous Research,” http://www.worstpills.org/member/newsletter.cfm?n_id=439.

[2] Derry S, Loke YK. Risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage with long term use of aspirin: meta-analysis. BMJ. 2000 Nov 11;321(7270):1183-7.

[3] ^ Guitton MJ, Caston J, Ruel J, Johnson RM, Pujol R, Puel JL (2003). "Salicylate induces tinnitus through activation of cochlear NMDA receptors". J. Neurosci. 23 (9): 3944–52. PMID 12736364.

[4] Rushforth, K. (1999). Trees of Britain and Europe. Collins ISBN 0-00-220013-9.

[5] Biegert C et al. "Efficacy and safety of willow bark extract in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: results of 2 randomized double-blind controlled trials." Journal of Rheumatology. 31.11 (2004):2121-30.

[6] Chrubasik S et al. "Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study." American Journal of Medicine. 109.1 (2000):9-14.

[7] Schmid B et al. "Efficacy and tolerability of a standardized willow bark extract in patients with osteoarthritis: randomized placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial." Phytotherapy Research. 15.4 (2001) 344-50.

[8] Dulloo AG, Miller DS. Aspirin as a promoter of ephedrine-induced thermogenesis: potential use in the treatment of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:564-9.

[9] Fiebich BL, Chrubasik S. Effects of an ethanolic salix extract on the release of selected inflammatory mediators in vitro. Phytomedicine 2004;11:135-8

[10] Schmid B, Kotter I, Heide L. Pharmacokinetics of salicin after oral administration of a standardised willow bark extract. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2001;57:387-91.

[11] Chrubasik S, Eisenberg E, Balan E, et al. Treatment of low back pain exacerbations with willow bark extract: a randomized double-blind study. Am J Med 2000;109:9-14.

[12] Biegert C, Wagner I, Ludtke R, et al. Efficacy and safety of willow bark extract in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: results of 2 randomized double-blind controlled trials. J Rheumatol 2004;31:2121-30.

[13] Fiebich BL, Chrubasik S. Effects of an ethanolic salix extract on the release of selected inflammatory mediators in vitro. Phytomedicine 2004;11:135-8.