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)

ashwagandha
waterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
Peppermint
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
Szechuan lovage
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
Fernbush
Gnaphalium
Gardenia jasminoides
Galangal
Henna
Herb Robert
Hempnettle
Horsemint
Indian Coraltree
Indian Fagonia
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Litsea
Linden
Ligustilides
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Loranthus
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mustard
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Onosma bracteatum
Osmanthus
Premna
Piper chaba
Pulsatilla
Pluchea
Pimpinella
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Plectranthus amboinicus
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Rue
Rubiaceae
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Sagebrush
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sedanenolide
Tamarind
Vervain
Water Pepper
Willow
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingerone

Products containing Willow

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.