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

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Synopsis

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

Willow, particularly the bark of the white willow tree (Salix alba), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for pain relief, including headaches. The primary active constituent is salicin, which is metabolized in the body to salicylic acid—a compound chemically related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have investigated willow bark for pain conditions, most notably low back pain and osteoarthritis, with some data extrapolated to other types of pain, including tension headaches.

Although there is scientific rationale for using willow bark for tension headaches—given its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties—direct high-quality clinical trials specifically targeting tension-type headache are limited. However, some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest benefit, and its mechanism of action aligns with that of aspirin, which is effective for mild to moderate headache pain. The World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency recognize willow bark as a traditional herbal medicine for the relief of minor articular pain and headache, further supporting its use.

Overall, the evidence supporting willow bark for tension headache is moderate, with mechanistic plausibility and some clinical backing, but lacks robust, high-quality trials directly addressing this specific indication. Users should also be aware of potential side effects and contraindications similar to those associated with aspirin use.

More about Willow (unspecified)
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 (unspecified)

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