Re: Willow Bark

[Guest guest]

I understand that apspirin is made from White Willow Bark.

http://gic.simplenet.com/dr/herb/whitew.htm

nne

> Does anyone have any information on this herb....Willow Bark? Is this used

> as an aspiring replacement?

>

> Thanks,

>

[Guest guest]

pinhd2@... writes:

> Does anyone have any information on this herb....Willow Bark? Is this used

> as an aspiring replacement?

Pearl

My understanding is that aspirin is actually a synthetic version of Willow

Bark. In other words - I think that Willow Bark was originally used as a

pain reliever and then when the synthetic version was mass produced as a

commercial pain reliever it was called aspirin.

Here's some information about it. Since it isn't that long I went ahead and

copied it in here, but here's the link if you want it: <A

HREF= " http://www.kcweb.com/herb/whitew.htm " >

http://www.kcweb.com/herb/whitew.htm</A>

in health,

White Willow Bark (Salix alba)

The white willow was introduced into the United States form Europe and can be

found next to rivers and streams throughout the country. The bark is the part

of the willow used, and is easily removed in the spring when the sap begins

to flow.

Willows have been used for centuries for pain relief and reduction of fever.

The leaves can be chewed, and contain salicylic acid. This compound has been

synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin.

Natural salicylic acid is nearly as potent as aspirin, however, the compound

salicin from willow does not cause gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding as

aspirin can, This is because willow does not block prostaglandins in the

stomach or intestines.

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