updated: 11/19/2019
Contents
You often hear people say that white willow bark is good for your health, but you probably do not know what its particular benefit is. This makes you unable to use it properly for the best results. What a waste! Currently, there is not much information about the effect of white willow bark, so we write this article to help you take advantage of all its benefits, making your life easier. First of all, to have a basis on how to use this herb, let’s get to know the information about it.
What Is White Willow Bark?
White willow is also known as Salix alba[1]. It is derived from Europe and western and central Asia. Its name is set according to the color of the undersides of its leaves. Typically, a willow bark can be as high as 10-30m. White willow is a very fast growing plant, but it only has short life cycles. It is very susceptible to dangerous diseases like watermark disease. For medicine, white willow bark plays a huge role in the treatment of diseases, especially joint pain, toothache, and dermatitis. The reason is because it contains a lot of active salicin which is like a natural aspirin. That’s why white willow bark extract is one of the common ingredients in skin care products and medicines[2].
What Are The Side Effects Of White Willow Bark?
Here are some side effects that you may experience when using white willow bark extract:
- White willow bark extract will peel off the top layers of your skin, so it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- If you are allergic to salicylic acid or aspirin, you will have a negative reaction when using white willow bark.
- Pregnant women and lactating women should not use white willow bark extract. Young children too. White willow bark extract can increase the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome.
- Patients with kidney disease should not use white willow bark extract as it reduces blood flow to the kidney, causing kidney failure in some people.
There, you just got to know some information about white willow bark. Now is the time to learn about beauty and health benefits of white willow bark extract. Have a look at TrueRemedies.com!
Top 8 Beauty & Health Benefits Of White Willow Bark Extract
1. Relieve Pain
Relieving pain is the first one among the health benefits of white willow bark extract. When doing daily activities or playing sports, you are more likely to get hurt. This makes us feel very upset. Besides, it also interrupts your activities. Not only that, some diseases, especially stomach pain, often cause a lot of harm to the patient. Whenever the pain arises, the patient will feel very upset. Stomach ache is really an obsession for many people. To relieve pain, you can use white willow bark.
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You are probably interested in this information. The main ingredient of white willow bark extract is Salicin. For commercially available products, the active ingredient usually accounts for 15%, 25%, 50%, and 90% of the product. White willow bark has long been used by the Chinese for pain relief (from 500 BC). In addition, Americans often use it to treat inflammation. One of Salicin’s derivatives is salicylic acid. This substance was subsequently perfected by chemist Felix Hoffmann and was put on by clinical researcher Anthur Eichengrun in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis[3]. These results were confirmed by Bayer (Germany). In 1899, the company registered the drug under the Aspirin brand, and is known as a classic drug in pain relief. In addition to salicylic acid, white willow also contains other beneficial compounds such as salicylic acid, flavonoid (antioxidant) and tannin (antimicrobial).
Scientific studies have shown that the white willow bark acts as a natural painkiller. Few people know that using white willow bark for pain is more beneficial than using aspirin. The most important thing to note is that while aspirin damages the stomach, the white willows are completely safe with the stomach. This is a great benefit because most painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs cause gastric ulcers.
A study by the Haifa Institute of Technology in Israel found that for people with back pain who used 240 grams of white willow bark extract every day, the pain was significantly reduced compared to those who did not use it. In 2012, a team of German and British scientists have studied the mechanism of action and effects of white willow bark for arthritis. They found that willow skin has a significant effect on inflammation and joint pain relief. In addition, willow extract also stimulates collagen regeneration in the joints, helps prevent degenerative joints.
The pain relief effect of white willow bark is well-founded, so you can apply it to relieve the pain you are suffering. All you need to do is apply a little white willow bark extract to the affected area. To relieve back pain, apply a little extract on the back, then massage gently. You should do this regularly to get the most obvious effect. To relieve stomach pain, you can drink white willow bark tea. The way to make this tea is very simple, you just need to mix a little white willow bark extract with a bit of hot water, then stir well. You should drink it when it is still warm. Surely you will feel very pleased about this effect of white willow bark extract.
2. Fight Inflammation
This is one of little – known benefits of white willow bark extract. Inflammation is a protective response to the body’s immune system against the attack of an external agent (microorganisms, and chemical or physical agent) or of the internal agent (ischemic necrosis and autoimmune disease). This is a natural immune response. Inflammation is usually accompanied by swelling, redness and pain since the blood vessels dilate, thereby bringing more blood to the lesion. Leukocytes also enter the bloodstream, secrete prostaglandins and cytokines to destroy or neutralize the damage. If not treated early, inflammation can become chronic.
Many studies have shown that chronic inflammation is associated with cancer. Inflammation can occur only in one part of the body when this part is damaged. This condition can also spread and affect many organs and systems in the body. Inflammatory agents can affect the body and tissues, and cause two major consequences:
- It damages tissue cells, releasing chemical intermediates which are called inflammatory mediators.
- It causes circulatory disorders and metabolism to produce intermediate metabolites. These metabolites also act as inflammatory mediators.
To treat inflammation, you first need to find out the cause of inflammation. Then you need to use drugs that work against inflammatory factors like antibiotics and antiviral drugs. In addition, you can also use anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides, you can also use white willow bark extract to do this. Many studies have proven this. White willow bark extract contains a lot of salicylic acid and salicylic acid. Salicylic acid has very good anti-inflammatory properties. This extract also contains tannins, especially gallotannins. These tannins have been shown to be excellent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Therefore, when you want to fight inflammation, do not forget to use white willow bark extract. Let’s take a cup of white willow bark tea regularly, and your condition will improve quickly.
3. Treat Acne
Among beauty and health benefits of white willow bark extract, not many people know about its ability to treat acne. Acne is a very uncomfortable skin problem. It can spread. Most people have experienced this situation. Unfortunately, acne usually occurs at unwanted times, such as before a party, a presentation, or a wedding. If not treated properly, acne can cause inflammation or leave acne scars. The common causes of acne are:
- Hormonal changes: In puberty, hormonal changes cause the sebaceous glands to function strongly. When more sebum is secreted, pores can become clogged, resulting in acne formation. In addition, before the menstrual cycle, hormones changed so women are more likely to get acne. Birth control pills can cause hormonal changes in women and also cause acne.
- Stress: Stress can affect the hormonal balance, leading to acne.
- Diet: A diet high in sugar and fat can make you prone to acne.
- Lack of sleep: People who often go to sleep late and those who suffer from insomnia are at high risk for acne.
- Genetic factors: This is an irreversible factor. However, it is important to emphasize that the genetic factor needs the impact of other factors to cause acne.
- Do not use sunscreen: Sun exposure causes a lot of damage to the skin. If you do not protect your skin with sunscreen, the formation of acne is unavoidable.
- Environmental pollution
- Environmental pollution and factors such as smoke, dust, and temperature cause the skin to produce more sebum. Then, the pores are very easy to be clogged, causing acne.
Certainly no one wants to experience the feeling of having more acne. But if you are suffering from this condition, you can also easily treat acne with white willow bark extract. Salicylic Acid or BHA is an extremely familiar ingredient for those who are interested in skin care, especially those with acne. This active ingredient is able to dissolve in oil and penetrate deep into the pores, reducing the appearance of sebum. Not only that, it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Salicylic acid is an ideal active ingredient used in acne treatment products. With the benefits that salicylic acid gives to oily skin, natural and organic cosmetics companies also want to look for natural ingredients that can replace this active ingredient. And the natural ingredient to be chosen is the white willow bark extract.
Can white willow bark extract replace Salicylic acid? In addition to the ability to treat acne, does white willow bark extract bring other benefits to the skin? The extract of white willow bark contains Salicin, a form of salicylate, and this compound can be converted to salicylic acid. That is why willow bark extract is believed to be a natural substitute for Salicylic acid. Many studies have shown the benefits that white willow bark extract can bring to the skin:
- Cleans the pores: With the same ability as salicylic acid, this extract can penetrate deep into the pores, cleansing the skin from deep inside.
- Reverse the aging of the skin: A study in 2010 found that using salicin at a concentration of 0.5% for 12 consecutive weeks could reduce wrinklesand pores.
- Remove dead skin cells.
- Fight off oxidation: White willow bark contains large amounts of tannins and gallotannins similar to green tea. These tannins are known for their antioxidant properties, soothing the skin, and reducing irritation and redness.
With effects such as cleansing the pores, reducing inflammation and exfoliating, most people find that willow bark extract is quite suitable for acne skin. In fact, salicylate in the willow bark does not have as a strong effect as salicylic acid. However, you do not need to worry too much about this. Normally, people tend to use natural or organic cosmetics and want to find a gentle and benign product for skin. Fortunately, white willow bark extract is still able to treat acne in a gentle way. Besides, do not overlook the very powerful antioxidant effect of this extract, which is really worth considering.
To use white willow bark extract to treat acne, you can dilute it with water in a 2: 1 ratio, then apply it to the acne. You should apply this method in the evening to limit the effect of the sun on the skin. If you are worried about irritation, you can apply a little extract on healthy skin and observe the skin’s reaction.
4. Reduce Fever
When it comes to health benefits of white willow bark extract, reducing fever is lesser-known. Any of us have experienced the chills and tiredness of fever. Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature due to a reaction to the disease. Our body temperature is not equal at all times of the day, usually higher in the afternoon. However, if the temperature exceeds 38oC, you have a fever. Fever is also a symptom of many different diseases. Fever rarely occurs alone without any other symptoms. It usually comes with specific symptoms which can help identify the disease causing them. This will help your doctor decide what treatment is needed.
Normal body temperature can vary depending on the person, time of day, and even the weather. For most people, the base temperature fluctuates around 36.5-37.5°C (98-100°F). Usually, body temperature is controlled by a region of the brain called the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus is similar to the body’s thermoregulation system. Fever occurs when the body’s immune system is stimulated by pyrogen (a substance that causes fever). Pyrogen usually originates from the outside of the body and stimulates the body to produce pyrogen in the body. Pyrogen will instruct the hypothalamus to increase our body temperature. In response, the blood vessels shrink to try to reach a new heat point higher than the base temperature. The main causes of this condition are the invasion of viruses, bacteria, and fungi; contact with animals; hemoptysis and tumors; and environment.
Whatever the reason, you also need to take measures to quickly reduce fever. Too high fever can cause some complications like convulsions and death. If possible, have white willow bark extract ready in your home. This extract helps to reduce fever very well. People have applied this way for thousands of years. Salicin inside the willow bark works like aspirin. It works by reducing inflammation and pain when it comes to your bloodstream. Aspirin has antipyretic and analgesic effects, so it is used very commonly. However, it can cause some side effects as we have mentioned above. Therefore, you should use white willow bark extract to reduce fever without having to worry about side effects. Whenever you have a fever, let’s enjoy a glass of white willow bark tea, and then have plenty of rest. Surely you will soon feel much more comfortable.
5. Ease Menstruation
This sounds strange regarding the outstanding health benefits of white willow bark extract, right? Menstruation is a wonderful physiological process that occurs only in women. Menstruation is a collection of repeated physiological changes in the female body under the control of the sex hormone system. It is necessary for reproduction. In women, the typical menstrual cycle occurs monthly between puberty and menopause. However, many women experience excessive menstruation. This makes them feel very tired and uncomfortable. Here are some of the main reasons for this situation:
- Some diseases in the uterus and ovaries: Ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps, endometriosis, endometritis, and cervical cancer are all diseases that can cause excessive menstruation.
- Hemophilia: In patients with hemophilia, bleeding is difficult to control. When menstruation occurs, the length of bleeding time causes the patient to lose more blood.
- Hormonal disorder: Studies show that hormonal disturbances in women can affect the menstrual cycle and lead to some menstrual problems such as excessive menstruation and abdominal pain during menstruation.
- Abortion pills and birth control pills: Their side effects will cause excessive menstruation.
- Other causes: In addition to the above causes, excessive menstruation is more likely to occur in obese women, premenopausal women, women who smoke, or women with certain conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic hepatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, and lupus erythematosus.
Fortunately, you can easily treat this condition by using white willow bark extract. This extract causes the body to be relaxed, so it can re-balance hormones in the body. In addition, the extract of this herb also has an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. As a result, excessive menstruation, abdominal pain and cramping during menstruation will also be significantly improved. To get the best results, regularly drink white willow bark tea for about a week before the menstrual period begins. Do so for months, surely you will quickly notice a significant improvement.
6. Soothe Stomach Disorders
You can make use of some health benefits of white willow bark extract by using it for smoothing stomach disorders. Our stomach performs two main functions: break down and digest food. However, when you have a problem with psychological problems or some chronic diseases, the function of the stomach is very susceptible to disorders. This disease is caused by the following main causes:
- Factors that directly affect psychology, such as a shock or anger.
- Chronic diseases such as colitis, appendicitis, and pancreatitis.
- Eating habits like eating too fast or regularly drinking alcohol.
The common symptoms of this condition are:
- Symptoms of heartburn include chest discomfort, dry cough, sore mouth, sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, dysrhythmia, loss of appetite, weight loss, night sweats, and rectal bleeding.
Today, in modern life with too much pressure, stomach disorders become a very common disease in young people. To treat it, use white willow bark extract. This herb contains many tannins which can soothe the pain and discomfort caused by stomach disorders, especially during the period when the immune system is weakened. Although the white willow bark works slowly, its effect can be lengthened. This makes it an effective way to improve the health of the stomach. However, you should not use it daily unless directed by a doctor.
7. Lose Weight
No wonder, this should definitely be mentioned in this list of health benefits of white willow bark extract. Obesity is a complex disorder that involves excessive fat in the body. Obesity not only affects the physique of the patient but also increases the risk of illness and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. This condition also increases the risk of arthritis, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way to tell if a person is overweight. The formula for calculating BMI is: BMI = Weight (kg) / (height (m) x height (m)). People with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 25 are overweight, 30 or higher are obese and 40 or higher are severely obese.
For most people, BMI helps to estimate the right amount of fat in the body. However, the BMI does not directly measure the amount of fat in the body. However, the BMI does not directly measure the amount of fat in the body. For example, in some people such as bodybuilders, their BMI is at the level of obesity. Obesity is mainly caused by excessive intake of calories. Some people gain a lot of weight without knowing why. The reason maybe genetic factor, psychological reasons (eat in stress), or social culture (people are encouraged to eat more).
If you think you are suffering from obesity, especially if you are concerned about weight problems, see your doctor right away. You and your doctor can jointly assess your health risks and discuss ways to lose weight. When setting a diet for weight loss, do not forget white willow bark. You must be suspicious of this. In fact, many people find that this herb makes their weight loss process easier. The reason is because it helps burn fat, while enhancing metabolism. This reduces the amount of fat accumulated in the body. Therefore, let’s drink white willow bark tea regularly. Although this herb is very good, it can only support your weight loss process. Therefore, do not rely too heavily on it.
8. Reverse The Aging Of The Skin
The last one in this list of health benefits of white willow bark extract is its amazing ability to reverse skin aging. Studies show that the skin is vulnerable to external factors as we get older. The thing that can not be changed is that aging is a natural process. Over time, we can all see the wrinkles on our faces. However, we can take steps to keep the skin healthy and fresh. The aging of the skin depends on various factors: age, lifestyle, diet, genetic factors and other personal habits. There are three major manifestations of skin aging in general, each affecting the face in a different way:
- Wrinkles: Wrinkles are the first signs and also the most obvious signs of aging skin. They can be seen on different parts of the face and are the most noticeable signs of aging. The wrinkles can also be found on the cheeks and forehead. As you get older, they will appear more clearly.
- Decreased skin tension: The loss of skin tension leads to changes in the facial contours. The skin on the neck becomes quite rough and dry (possibly due to lack of skin growth). This can make the appearance of the face change.
- Decreased skin density: Decreased skin density is the most common symptom in women in menopause. This condition causes the skin to become thin and sensitive, so it is susceptible to external factors.
To reverse the aging process, you can use white willow bark. This herb contains high levels of antioxidants. Besides, it can increase blood flow to aging skin. Very few people know that this herbal also has the ability to moisturize the skin, preventing skin dryness and peeling. As a result, the signs of aging skin will gradually improve. Not only that, white willow bark also helps to reduce the skin inflammation and pain caused by insect bites or allergies. Therefore, you can trust its effects.
To use white willow bark to reverse skin aging, you can apply one of the methods below:
Method 1. White Willow Bark Tea
To apply this method, please follow these following steps:
- Mix 1-2 white willow bark extract with 250ml hot water, stir well
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey if you want
- Drink it when it is still warm
You can take this tea two to three times a week to improve your skin condition.
Method 2. White Willow Bark Powder And Olive Oil
To apply this method, please follow these following steps:
- Clean your face thoroughly with cleanser
- Mix white willow bark powder with olive oil to form a thick mixture
- Apply this mixture to your face, massage gently for about 1-2 minutes
- After 10-15 minutes, clean your face with cool water
You can do this 2-3 times a week to get the best results.
Method 3. White Willow Bark Powder And Rose Essential Oil
To apply this method, please follow these following steps:
- Clean your face thoroughly with cleanser
- Mix white willow bark powder with rose essential oil to form a thick mixture
- Apply this mixture to your face, massage gently for about 1-2 minutes
- After 10-15 minutes, clean your face with cool water
Please implement this method 2-3 times a week.
Method 4. White Willow Bark Powder And Tea Tree Oil
To apply this method, please follow these following steps:
- Clean your face thoroughly with cleanser
- Mix white willow bark powder with tea tree oil and a little water to form a thick mixture
- Apply this mixture to your face, massage gently for about 1-2 minutes
- After 10-15 minutes, clean your face with cool water
Let’s do this method 2-3 times a week to see how effective it is.
Method 5. White Willow Bark Powder And Argan Essential Oil
To apply this method, please follow these following steps:
- Clean your face thoroughly with cleanser
- Mix white willow bark powder with argan essential oil to form a thick mixture
- Apply this mixture to your face, massage gently for about 1-2 minutes
- After 10-15 minutes, clean your face with cool water
You should do this 2-3 times a week to reverse aging skin.
Hope that after reading our list of outstanding health and beauty benefits of the white willow bark, you got some general understanding about this plant and know how to use it the right way to harness its benefits. These benefits are really incredible and beneficial for us in different aspects, so do not miss out on this great plant.
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