Health Tutor

The common perception is that if is natural it is safe and only manmade remedies come with warnings and could be harm full. It is extremely important to realize that even natural remedies come with risks you should always discuss natural remedies with your doctor before you try them. Many of the medicines and cures we rely on now days have their basis in old folk remedies or natural cures. The most common example of this is, Aspirin that is a registered trade mark name for acetylsalicylic acid (ASA).  It is also sold under many other names but they all have basic same ingredient.  Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is the chemical made from salicin. Salicin is found in many different plants including willow bark.

Taking willow in the place of aspirin (ASA) can eliminate the stomach upset that is associated within uncoated aspirin (ASA) because it passes through the stomach before it changes in the pain reliving form. There are still many precautions that you still must keep in mind if you are taking willow.

• Do not take willow if you are allergic to aspirin (ASA) or other salicin types of medications
• Do not take willow if you are on blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
• Willow can react with barbiturates & sedatives  such as aprobarbital (amytal) or alprazolam (Xanax)
• Do not take willow if there is any other reason you doctor has told you not to take aspirin(ASA)
• Willow can cause stomach upset if taken with alcohol
• Do not give to children under 16 who have any type of viral infection such as the flu or chicken pox. Like with aspirin (ASA) this can lead to Reye’s syndrome a serious condition that involves the brain & liver and can lead to death.
• Do not take willow with aspirin or other salicin types of medications.

Willow can be used to treat ailments that you would use aspirin for.

• Headaches (migraines)
• Muscle & joint pains  like sprains & strains
• Fever

Willow also known as white willow bark can be found in pill and powder form in many health food stores and natural medicine stores.  As well now days you can find natural medicines in most drug stores alongside the vitamins.

You can make some willow tea by steeping  1 teaspoon of white willow bark in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes then strain. Drink 1 cup 3 times a day till the pain & swelling subsides.