Description
As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 2 to 3 times daily as needed.
Dosage and Administration:
Pediatric:
Because of the danger of developing Reye syndrome (a rare but serious illness associated with the use of aspirin in children), children under the age of 16 should not be given willow bark.
Precautions:
Because willow bark contains salicin, people who are allergic or sensitive to salicylates (such as aspirin) should not use willow bark. Some researchers suggest that people with asthma, diabetes, gout, gastritis, hemophilia, and stomach ulcers should also avoid willow bark. If you have any of these conditions, take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) regularly or blood-thinning medication, be sure to ask your health care provider before taking willow bark. Willow bark should not given to children under the age of 16.
Side Effects
Side effects tend to be mild. However, stomach upset, ulcers and stomach bleeding are potentially side effects of all compounds containing salicylates. Overdoses of willow bark may cause skin rash, stomach inflammation/irritation, nausea, vomiting, kidney inflammation, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Salicylates are not recommended during pregnancy, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take willow bark.
Interactions and Depletions:
Because willow bark contains salicylates, it might interact with a number of drugs and herbs. Talk to your doctor before taking willow bark if you take any other medications, herbs, or supplements.
Willowbark may interact with any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications)-- Willow bark may strengthen the effects of drugs and herbs with blood-thinning properties, and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Beta blockers-- including Atenolol (Tenormin), Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA). Willow bark may make these drugs less effective.
- Diuretics (water pills)-- Willow bark may make these drugs less effective.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-- including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Taking willow bark with these drugs may increase risk of stomach bleeding.
- Methotrexate and phenytoin (Dilantin)-- Willow may increase levels of these drugs in the body, resulting in toxic levels.
Servings Per Container: 50
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value | |
---|---|---|
Total Carbohydrate | <1 g | <1% |
White Willow Bark (Salix alba) | 800 mg | N/A |
Gelatin (capsule), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source) and Stearic Acid (vegetable source).
Contains no: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.