Evidence supporting the use of: Black willow
For the health condition: Backache

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Black willow (Salix nigra) has a long history of traditional use for pain relief, including backache, due to its content of salicin—a compound that is metabolized in the body to salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Scientific validation for its use comes from the broader evidence base for willow bark extracts (from various Salix species, not just S. nigra). Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that standardized willow bark extracts can have a modest effect in reducing lower back pain compared to placebo. For example, a Cochrane review (2009) and other systematic reviews have found that willow bark extracts (typically standardized to 120-240 mg salicin daily) provided significant pain relief for people with chronic lower back pain in the short term (up to 4 weeks), with results comparable to conventional analgesics for some users.

However, most of the clinical trials used extracts from Salix alba (white willow), not specifically black willow. The chemical composition is similar, but the direct evidence for Salix nigra is less robust. Side effects are generally mild and similar to those of aspirin (e.g., gastrointestinal discomfort), but individuals with salicylate allergy should avoid willow products.

In summary, the use of black willow for backache is supported by both tradition and moderate-quality scientific evidence, with most research focusing on willow bark in general rather than black willow specifically. The overall evidence strength is moderate (rated 3/5), and willow bark remains a reasonable herbal option for mild to moderate back pain in adults who can tolerate salicylates.

More about Black willow
More about Backache

Other ingredients used for Backache

ashwagandha
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
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bасора
cannabis sativa oil
capsaicinoids
citrus oil
collagen
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
devil's claw
ginger
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
horseradish
Indian tinospora
jujube
kudzu
magnesium
milk
moringa
mustard seed
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
plantain
quail egg
rhizome
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
almond fruit
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
yellow root
squawvine
gastrodia
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
mugwort
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
punarnava
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
morus
root tuber
silk tree
solomon's seal
siler root
amber
flowering quince
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
purslane
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
gentiana macrophylla
wood betony
paw paw
abies spectabilis
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
soursop
clematis
Aralia
akebia
Antler
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Albizia
Aconite
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Alsonia scholaris
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Aspen
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Alstonia macrophylla
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Bermuda Grass
Blue Flag
Bryonia
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Bulnesia sarmientoi
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Big Quaking Grass
Bugbane
Butternut
Bogbean
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
Barbary matrimony vine
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
Bupleurum
Bassia scoparia
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Chymopapain
coconut oil
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Cowherb
Curcumen
Centella asiatica
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corktree
Curcuma
cypress
Cornus
Cannabidiol
Corydalis
Costus
Collinsonia
Carthamus
Colocynth
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Deer Root
Dragonhead
Devil's Club
David's Milkberry
Dwarf Nettle
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
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Little ironweed
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Mallow
Poppy
Spikenard
Sumac
Vervain
Zucchini

Products containing Black willow

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