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

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Synopsis

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

Willow bark (Salix spp.) has been traditionally used for pain relief, including headaches, due to its content of salicin, a compound metabolized in the body to salicylic acid—similar to aspirin. Scientific studies have confirmed willow bark’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, primarily in the context of lower back pain and osteoarthritis. However, its use for tension-type headaches specifically has less direct clinical evidence.

Some small clinical trials and observational studies have suggested that willow bark extract may alleviate various pain conditions, and its mechanism of action (inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis) is consistent with that of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly used for tension headaches. Historical usage supports its application for headache relief, and modern herbal medicine texts often reference willow bark as a potential remedy.

Despite these promising mechanisms and traditional uses, there is a lack of large, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating willow bark for tension headaches. Safety profiles are generally favorable, but caution is advised for individuals with aspirin allergies or those at risk for bleeding. Overall, while willow bark’s use for tension headaches is scientifically plausible and supported by its general analgesic properties, direct evidence remains limited, warranting a moderate evidence rating.

More about Willow Bark
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 Bark

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