What’s White Willow Bark And Why Should I Consume It?
What’s White Willow Bark And Why Should I Consume It?
At TerVita, we use only the most natural and beneficial ingredients to deliver products that offer a true sense of wellness. One of our favorite ingredients is white willow bark, a medicinal bark commonly referred to as “Nature’s Aspirin.” For centuries, humans have used white willow bark as a natural remedy for a number of physical ailments.
We decided to take advantage of these amazing health benefits by combining this one-of-a-kind ingredient with our top-quality CBD. The result? A safe, all-natural product that gives you the relief you deserve.
Read below to learn more about the rich history and many benefits of white willow bark as well as why we incorporate it into our TerVita products.
Ancient Uses
Few people can say they’ve never taken an aspirin to relieve a headache or break a pesky fever.
While you may think whoever invented aspirin was a total genius, it turns humans were using a natural equivalent almost 3500 years before that. Ancient Egyptians often used white willow bark to relieve non-specific aches and pains. This knowledge made its way to Ancient Greece where Hippocrates wrote about white willow bark’s ability to relieve pain, reduce fevers, and even make childbirth less painful. Throughout medieval Europe, it was common practice to boil the bark in water and use the liquid to clean wounds, stop bleeding, and treat sore throats.
The white willow tree itself is one of the largest species of willows, and the bark often consists of a light greyish-brown color. This tree is native to Europe as well as parts of western Asia, and it gets its name from the white undersides of the leaves. You can usually find these “miracle trees” growing near rivers, streams, or anywhere with wet ground.
Despite its widespread historical use, it wasn’t until 1828 that Johann Buchner discovered the willow bark’s active ingredient, salicin. He found that salicin exerted its effects by reducing pain and inflammation as it entered the bloodstream. This breakthrough soon led to the groundbreaking discovery of aspirin by French chemist Charles Gerhardt in 1852. That’s right, the use of aspirin as we know it today all started using this magical ingredient.
Benefits of White Willow Bark
White willow bark offers many health benefits to those who use it, and these benefits go far beyond simple pain relief. Below are just a few of the many ways in which white willow bark can improve health and prevent certain ailments.
Treats Lower Back Pain
In addition to headaches, white willow bark also acts as an effective remedy for lower back pain as well as neck pain and muscle aches. This is due to the bark’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One study found that those who consumed white willow bark extract experienced significant improvements in lower back pain compared to the placebo group.
This study also found that higher doses of extract resulted in even higher levels of overall pain relief.
Soothes PMS/Menstrual Cramps
For those who dread the painful cramps and annoying symptoms that often accompany menstruation, you’re in luck. White willow bark has shown to be a great way to soothe cramps and alleviate various PMS symptoms especially when combined with CBD. Typically, menstrual cramps are caused by inflammation of the uterine lining as well as by contractions triggered by prostaglandins.
White willow bark works by regulating these prostaglandins and reducing inflammation to provide effective relief. While consuming white willow bark may increase the amount of bleeding, it is considered a safe, natural alternative for those who may experience adverse side effects from aspirin or ibuprofen.
Reduces Acne
Due to its soothing, anti-inflammatory qualities, white willow bark extract is a common ingredient found in many cosmetic and skincare products. When processed by the body, salicin is converted to a compound called salicylic acid. This compound is a natural exfoliant that helps clear your pores and shed any excess skin cells.
Research shows that salicylic acid is effective in treating mild to moderate cases of acne. White willow bark also contains other compounds and minerals that help make your skin feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Prevents Heart Attacks
The American Heart Association has stated that taking a low-dose of aspirin daily can help prevent the onsets of both strokes and heart attacks. Luckily, this also extends to white willow bark, as both contain salicylates that reduces the risk of internal blood clots. However, it is important to monitor how much you’re consuming each day in order to avoid any negative side effects.
These are just a few of the ways in which white willow bark can positively impact your overall health and wellness. White willow bark can also treat arthritis, joint pain, common colds, and more. There’s even evidence to suggest it can help promote weight loss!
Although white willow bark has a multitude of valuable health benefits, it may not be for everyone. Those who are allergic to aspirin are very likely to also have a reaction to white willow bark. In addition, white willow bark may interact with certain medications such as beta-blockers or blood thinners. As with any new medicinal treatment, you should always check with your doctor first to make sure white willow is right for you.
Why We Love Using White Willow Bark
As you can clearly see, we at TerVita are strong believers in the healing, pain-relieving properties of white willow bark.
When combined with the life-changing qualities of CBD, the results are truly outstanding. That’s why we’ve added white willow bark to many of our top-shelf CBD products in order to bring you relief like never before. Find white willow bark in our CBD capsules as well as our CBD tinctures, both of which are designed to help you live your most vibrant life.
Whenever you need fast, effective relief, TerVita products are here to give you the satisfaction you’re looking for. All of our ingredients are completely safe and all-natural, meaning you’ll only consume the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. Step up your health and wellness game by shopping TerVita CBD products today.
