Evidence supporting the use of: Willow
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

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

Willow (Salix spp.), particularly the bark, has been traditionally used for centuries to relieve pain and reduce fever. The primary active compound in willow bark is salicin, which is metabolized in the body to salicylic acid—a precursor to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Scientific studies have demonstrated that willow bark possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially effective for conditions involving pain, such as tension headaches.

Clinical evidence supporting willow bark’s efficacy for headache relief is moderate. Several small studies and reviews have indicated that willow bark can be effective in managing low back pain and osteoarthritis, both of which share some underlying inflammatory pathways with tension headaches. However, direct studies on willow bark specifically for tension-type headaches are limited. The mechanism of action—COX inhibition leading to reduced prostaglandin synthesis—is similar to that of aspirin, which is known to be effective for various types of headaches, including tension headaches.

Safety profiles suggest that willow bark is generally well tolerated, but it should be avoided in individuals with allergies to aspirin or those taking anticoagulants. In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some indirect evidence for willow bark’s use in tension headaches, more direct, high-quality studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for this specific condition.

More about Willow
More about Headache (tension)

Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)

Aconite
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Albizia
alpinia galangal
Amor seco
Anemone
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
ashwagandha
aster root
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
balsam
bayleaf
black cumin
Black Hellebore
black salt
black seed
Black willow
blackboard tree
blackthorn
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
borneol
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
Campylandra fimbriata
Carthamus
cayenne pepper
Centipeda
chamomile
chickweed
Chinese silkvine
chrysanthemum
cinquefoil
citron
Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coca
cola nut
commiphora
Corydalis
cucumber
Dichrostachys glomerata
divi-divi
dragonhead
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
fernbush
ferula assafoetida
feverfew
Galangal
Gardenia jasminoides
ginger
Gnaphalium
Greek mountain tea
Hempnettle
henna
Herb Robert
Horsemint
Indian bael
Indian coraltree
Indian fagonia
Indian frankincense
kudzu
labrador tea
Large-leaved linden
lavender
Ledebouriella
lemon
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
ligustilides
linalool
linden
Litsea
Loranthus
lotus
Macaranga indica
magnesium
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matapalo Tree
Meadowsweet
Mentha haplocalyx
Menthol oil
Moringa
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain mahogany
Mustard
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Onosma bracteatum
Osha
Osmanthus
paeoniflorin
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
passionflower
passionflower
peony
Peppermint
Pimpinella
Piper chaba
Plectranthus amboinicus
Pluchea
poppy
Premna
Pulsatilla
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Rubiaceae
rue
sage
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
schizonepeta
Sedanenolide
Self-Heal
Semecarpus anacardium
Sensitive Plant
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Stereospermum
Storax
Sweet Bay
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Triphala
turmeric
turmeric
Vervain
Water Pepper
Waterhyssop
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Wintergreen
Yerba buena
Zingerone

Products containing Willow

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