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White Willow Bark
In
ancient Egypt, white willow bark was used to reduce pain and
inflammation. Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Dioscorides
touted willow bark as a remedy for rheumatic joint diseases
and gout. During the Middle Age, white willow bark lost its
popularity in Europe. Today, the bark is adaptable to diverse
climates. It may be cultivated in the Amazon to the state of
Maine.
Amongst
Native Indian healers, the herb was noted for its analgesic
properties. In the mid 1700s, the therapeutic value of the bark
was rediscovered and used to relieve the following ailments:
Back
pain
Headache
Menstrual cramps
Rheumatic pain
sore throat
Toothache
Upper respiratory tract infections
In
the 1890 willow bark was replaced with the development of synthetic
acetylsalicylic acid. As a result, scientific studies have not
evaluated the efficacy of the analgesic and antipyretic. Willow
bark has not been assessed for the treatment in preventing myocardial
infarctions, strokes or colorectal cancer. Over the centuries,
herbalists have continued to recommend white willow bark extracts
as the better substitution of aspirin.
Verisimilar
to birch, white willow is a native of Europe, North America
and Asia. In its appearance, the outer surface of the bark might
vary in color. White willow bark may have the tones of brownish-gray
to yellowish-green. While the inner surface of the bark is white
to a pallid yellow or even sienna brown, it garners an ultra
level texture to faint longitudinal striations. During the early
part of Spring, the branches aged two to three years old are
generally harvested.
Even
the popular weight loss product Thermadrol contains white willow
bark!
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