A lot of physical discomfort comes with becoming older. It might be your back one day and your knees or joints the next. The agony appears to move from one bodily area to another. So, what are we to do? Insert a slew of pills? It appears to be unhealthy. But owing to Ayurveda and dadi ke nuskhe (home cures), I learned about willow bark extract. Extracts from the bark of white willow trees can truly help reduce inflammation, which is the root cause of many diseases! Let’s find out what this miraculous chemical is.
I noticed my mother providing herbal tea to my grandma about 2-3 times each day a few weeks ago. My chai-loving grandmother was drinking herbal tea, which surprised me. Yet when I confronted her about it, she said she was taking willow bark extract tea for her back discomfort. It is an old home cure for physical discomfort, fever, sickness, and even menstruation cramps, according to my grandmother!
To learn more about this natural pain reliever, I contacted Ayurveda specialist Dr Chaitali Deshmukh, who described the scientific basis for willow bark extract serving as a pain reliever.
Pain relief with willow bark extract
Willow bark extract is prepared from willow bark from a range of species, including white, black, and purple willows. According to Dr. Deshmukh, this extract can aid with a variety of physical aches. Let us investigate!
1. Migraine
Willow bark has been shown to help with headaches. According to some studies, it has a lower risk of gastrointestinal side effects than other pain relievers such as ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Back discomfort in the lower back
It appears that willow bark can help with back discomfort. In a well-planned trial involving almost 200 people suffering from low back pain, those who got willow bark reported much less discomfort than those who received a placebo. Greater willow bark dosages (240 mg salicin) provided more obvious pain alleviation than lesser ones (120 mg salicin).
3. Arthritis of the knee
Several studies have demonstrated that willow is more effective than a placebo in lowering osteoarthritis pain. In a tiny study, individuals who got willow bark experienced a substantial improvement in their symptoms as compared to those who received a placebo for neck or lower back osteoarthritis.
Skin care with willow bark extract
The material is a natural source of salicin, which is the source of the powerful acne-fighting molecule salicylic acid. Because of the salicin, willow bark extract has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Dr. Deshmukh (which improves the appearance of pores and fine lines, she adds).
According to the expert, willow bark extract includes a high concentration of tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other minerals that help to soothe the skin and stimulate cell regeneration. Willow bark extract may be found in a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, toners, masks, and more, because all of these components help to create a more regenerated, youthful appearance.
- Gently exfoliates: The salicin in willow bark extract can provide a moderate exfoliation, exposing more vivid, healthy-looking skin.
- Dr. Deshmukh adds that salicin’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help decrease redness and discomfort.
- Salicin’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help decrease redness and irritation. Reduces oiliness: According to Dr. Deshmukh, tannins can help reduce oiliness, which minimizes acne breakouts. This explains why it’s a popular ingredient in toners.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots because it includes polyphenols and flavonoids, two powerful antioxidants that protect our skin from free radical damage.
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- Locks in moisture: Antioxidants also assist the skin in retaining moisture, keeping it hydrated and healthy. These strong compounds, when combined, can help cure eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, among other skin problems.
What are the additional advantages of willow bark extract?
According to Dr. Deshmukh, licensed herbalists may prescribe willow bark for the following illnesses, albeit further research is needed:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Fever
- Influenza
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Cancer
How should willow bark extract be used?
For internal usage only:
The Ayurveda doctor suggests giving the patient willow bark extract tea to cure fever, illness, headaches, pains, and rheumatism. To create it, mix 1-3g of willow bark into a cup of water. Strain after 10 minutes of boiling. Drink this three times a day, before each meal.
Capsules (200mg willow bark powder) can also be taken three times each day. Consume 2-4 capsules with water, or use the tincture, which is widely available. Pour 40 drops into a glass of water and drink it three times a day.
To heal ulcers and wounds, soak a towel in the aforementioned combination and apply compressions.
While more study is needed to investigate its potential applications, willow bark extract continues to be a popular home treatment for a range of diseases. But, before adopting any new herbal cure into your regimen, you should always check with a healthcare expert.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.