What is White Willow Bark Extract

White willow bark extract comes from the white willow tree, a member of the Salicaceae family; the tree can grow up to 75 feet tall, and thrives near streams or rivers. White willow grows in diverse regions of the world, ranging from parts of Europe, North America, and Asia.

Although there are several hundred species of willow, white willow extract is one of the few believed to harbor medicinial properties. Indeed, it has been used for therapuetic purposes for thousands of years in places such as China.

How can White Willow Bark Extract benefit you?

Although the Eastern world recognized the therapeutic benefits of white willow extract long ago, it wasn't until the 18th eighteenth century that the West began using white willow branch extract for relieving pain and fever.

The bark extract derives its benefits from its active ingredient -- salicin -- and which was isolated by German and French scientists in 1828.

Salicylic acid was manufactured from white willow bark extract...salicylic acid, indeed, is the precursor to one of the world's most well known drugs for treating fevers and pain: aspirin.

So, the question then becomes: why take white willow extract if you can just take aspirin instead?

Well, some experts believe that although both aspirin and white willow bark extract will reduce fever and pain, white willow's benefits last longer...and that it does not harbor the same serious risks as aspirin, such as possible stomach bleeding. On the other hand, white willow extract is said to take longer than aspirin before its beneficial effects are felt...indeed it may take several days before the effects kick in.

Other benefits include: alleviating headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis pains, menstrual cramps. The herb harbors anti-inflammatory properties, contains tannins and flavonoids which probably accounts for some of these benefits.