According to Healthline - Willow bark is an herbal ingredient that has been used traditionally for centuries in China and Europe. The most popular compound from willow bark is salicin which has aspirin-like properties (acetylsalicylic acid) that are beneficial as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.
The presence of salicin makes willow bark also known as natural aspirin. In fact, the drug aspirin was only developed after the salicin compound in willow bark was discovered. Willow bark is also rich in flavonoid antioxidant compounds that are anti-inflammatory.
Benefits of willow bark
Although scientific evidence on the effectiveness of using willow bark for treatment is still limited, this herbal plant has been widely used to treat various health problems, such as:
1. Relieves pain
Willow bark is rich in antioxidants and various organic compounds that make it effective as a natural pain reliever or analgesic. This plant has even been studied on people who feel low back pain and the results were effective in relieving the complaints felt.
2. Beautify and nourish the skin
The high content of antioxidants in willow bark can increase blood flow in the skin so that it is useful in beautifying and nourishing the skin. Meanwhile, the tannin content in willow bark is anti-microbial and can help relieve infections.
To experience its benefits, willow bark can be consumed or applied directly on the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging. The willow bark can also eliminate inflammation on the skin and reduce pain from insect bites and irritation.
3. May be anti-inflammatory
Salicin contained in willow bark is thought to have the potential to relieve arthritis and osteoarthritis which can trigger strong pain. This pain is usually caused by swelling in the joints or the muscles that wrap the joints. The use of willow bark to treat joint pain can be processed as tea.
4. Can reduce fever
Fever is a sign of infection or inflammation in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of willow bark can also help reduce fever naturally and speed up the healing process so that organ function can return to normal.
5. May help relieve migraines
Chronic headaches or migraines can be excruciating. Consuming willow bark has the potential to relieve headaches as well as migraines.
The ingredients in this herb may be able to lower blood pressure in the small capillaries and blood vessels in the head, reducing pressure and relieving these painful symptoms.
6. Relieve menstrual symptoms
Many women can experience severe menstrual symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramps, or mood swings. Willow bark is considered beneficial for alleviating menstrual symptoms by relaxing and rebalancing the hormones in a woman's body.
7. Soothes stomach disorders
The next benefit of willow bark is that it can calm and prevent stomach disorders. This is thanks to its high tannin content. Nonetheless, willow bark should not be consumed daily except on the advice of a doctor.
8. May help with weight loss
Willow bark contains various phytochemicals that can maximize the work of various fat-burning and other metabolism-boosting substances. This makes willow bark very suitable for consumption when trying to lose weight.
Risks of using willow bark
The side effects of willow bark tend to be mild. However, as with all salicylate-containing compounds, there are potential side effects such as:
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Ulcer
Nausea
Vomiting
Gastric bleeding
If consumed in excess, willow bark can cause quite severe health problems, such as:
Skin rash
Inflammation or irritation of the stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Inflammation of the kidney
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Also, people who are sensitive to salicylates should not use willow bark as it may trigger an allergic reaction. It is best to consult your doctor first if you have severe health problems and are taking certain medications.
Content created and supplied by: Sportyblitz (via Opera News )
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