How to Take Willow Bark for Health
Willow bark as a medicinal herb usually comes from the white willow tree (Salax alba) and it is also known as the European willow and purple willow. It is native to Europe and western Asia. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read up on the historical uses of willow bark. Its medicinal use is ancient and is recorded in Assyria, Egypt and Sumer. Hippocrates described its preparation in detail around 400 B.C. and prescribed it to reduce aches, pains and fevers.
2
Look at the properties of salicin, one of the active components of willow bark. Salicin is chemically similar to aspirin and appears to have the same effect, although it may be slower-acting and longer-lasting than aspirin.
3
Use willow bark as an herbal remedy to reduce pain and inflammation. The Food and Drug Administration does not consider willow bark to be a medicine and does not regulate it.
4
Study the side effects of willow bark. Some people may be allergic and you should consult your health care provider before using willow bark if you are taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medication. Willow bark should not be given to
children
under the age of 16.
5
Take no more than the recommended dosage. Capsules should be standardized for salicin content and limited to 240 mg per day. A tea can also be made from 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup. Drink no more than 3 to 4 cups per day.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068093_take-willow-bark-health.html
Willow bark as a medicinal herb usually comes from the white willow tree (Salax alba) and it is also known as the European willow and purple willow. It is native to Europe and western Asia. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read up on the historical uses of willow bark. Its medicinal use is ancient and is recorded in Assyria, Egypt and Sumer. Hippocrates described its preparation in detail around 400 B.C. and prescribed it to reduce aches, pains and fevers.
2
Look at the properties of salicin, one of the active components of willow bark. Salicin is chemically similar to aspirin and appears to have the same effect, although it may be slower-acting and longer-lasting than aspirin.
3
Use willow bark as an herbal remedy to reduce pain and inflammation. The Food and Drug Administration does not consider willow bark to be a medicine and does not regulate it.
4
Study the side effects of willow bark. Some people may be allergic and you should consult your health care provider before using willow bark if you are taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medication. Willow bark should not be given to
children
under the age of 16.
5
Take no more than the recommended dosage. Capsules should be standardized for salicin content and limited to 240 mg per day. A tea can also be made from 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup. Drink no more than 3 to 4 cups per day.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068093_take-willow-bark-health.html
