White willow bark was first used by Native American Indians as a tea brewed to alleviate pain. I like it because it does not cause the same amount of intestinal inflammation or bleeding (as most NSAIDs do), but it works as well as Aspirin or Tylenol. Our family/friends who tested this for me take 2 capsules to relieve a headache. Take with food if your gut is sensitive.
In its centuries of use there have been no contra-indications recorded from the use of white willow bark, or salicin. Traditionally it has proved safer then Aspirin and other synthetically derived salicylate based anti-inflammatory drugs. No cases of any serious side effects have ever been reported in medical literature. It is gentler on the stomach, and has a less toxic effect on the body in general.
The only restrictions on usage is that white willow bark should not be taken with aspirin, or by those sensitive to salicylates (found in foods like berries, currants, prunes and raisins). People with active gastritis or ulcers should also avoid it, or <strong>use it in suppository form only</strong>. It should not be used by children under 16, for the same reason aspirin should also not be used: there is the potential for developing Reye’s Syndrome in children, during a viral infection.
Of course, pain is always the body's signal that something is wrong and we need to deal with it and treat the root cause. But while you're figuring that out, it sometimes helps to get some relief.
You can also empty these capsules and mix the contents with cocoa butter to make them into suppositories, the absorption is just as good as oral ingestion. I have done this a few times for my kids, during teething, who can't swallow pills - using only 1/2 or 1/4 dose. This is the ideal way to dose teething babies! For a baby, I would start with only 1/4 capsule per suppository.
Here's an email I received from a reader:
"I had chronic post-exercise muscle ache, developed upon recovery from a "mystery illness". I've chased my "mystery illness" from August of last year. $8000 worth of straight medical work, only to be told: "Everything is perfect." Been using Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Don't like them for obvious reasons. Jini's article inspired me to get the white willow bark. ALL BODY ACHE GONE. No response necessary, just let her know: ANOTHER HAPPY INTELLECTUAL 'CUSTOMER'…" - Mark T., Minnesota.
