White Willow Bark

The White Willow Tree (salix alba), also known as European Willow, is native to central and southern Europe. For centuries the bark from this willow tree, and others such as the Purple Willow Tree (salix purpurea), have been used in traditional medicine for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active ingredient in willow bark is salicin and when consumed our bodies convert this chemical into salicylic acid, similar in structure to modern day aspirin (acetlyl salicylic acid). Often you'll hear willow bark referred to as “herbal aspirin” as it works in much the same way. The main difference between the two being willow bark will take longer than aspirin to act but its effects may last longer, however willow bark's pain relieving properties will not be as pronounced as aspirin's.

White Willow Bark & Weight Loss

There is little evidence that willow bark by itself promotes or enhances weight loss. However when willow bark is combined with thermogenic ingredients such as green tea, guaraná, or synephrine it's thought to extend or enhance their fat burning properties.

Willow Bark may also be useful when used in combination with niacin, helping to reduce the unpleasant side-effects from high doses of nicotinic acid, such as skin-flushing, itching of the skin, headaches, and hypo-tension.

Is White Willow Bark Safe?

Similar precautions apply to willow bark as with aspirin. Those sensitive or allergic to aspirin should avoid taking willow bark, as well as those with an ulcer or gastrointestinal disorder. Willow bark is also high in tannins, a group of chemicals which may cause kidney or liver damage, therefore individuals with existing kidney or liver conditions should avoid willow bark. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should also avoid using willow bark.

Willow bark should not be taken with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen as it may increase the chance of side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, tinnitus, or blood in the stool.

Diet Pills Containing Willow Bark

Diet Pill Ingredients

Caffeine - Powerful metabolic stimulant and appetite suppressant.
Calcium - May play a key role in fat storage and breakdown.
Chromium - May help to maintain blood sugar levels & suppress appetite.
Garcinia Cambogia - Rich in hydroxycitric acid, a natural carbohydrate inhibitor.
Green Tea - Packed full of potent anti-oxidants for optimum health.
Guarana - Potent source of caffeine and natural stimulant.
Hoodia Gordonii - The slimming cactus.
L-Tyrosine - Mood enhancing & metabolism boosting amino acid.
L-Carnitine - Essential for increased fat oxidation.
Niacin - Vitamin B3, lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Scutellaria Root - Drought hardy perennial native to southwest China.
Thiamin - Vitamin B1, the "brain energizer" vitamin.
White Willow Bark - Traditional pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
Yerba Mate - A medium sized evergreen plant native to South America.