White Willow Bark

[JRL]

Does any one have any knowledge of this herb? I understand that asprin was developed from the salicilates found in it.

[visionarybear]

Correct JRL,

It was originally used as a treatment for fever, but the downside was that it was a stomach irritant. If patients vomited it back up, the actives couldn't be absorbed and thus no benefit. Aspirin was the eureka compound derived from the willow bark as it was able to be kept down and do battle with the fever and thus save lives. Currently, aspirin has been superseded by paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever, but not for low level pain relief.

Aspirin, an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) works via inhibition of mainly COX-1 (cyclo oxygenase) and COX-2 (lesser) and possibly COX-3 (rumored 3rd receptor class, similar to COX-1 but hasnt been confirmed scientifically).

That sort of what you wanted? or were you looking more for preparation and use of said willow bark?

[Syd]

Following along Vision's path, I'd say naproxen is way better than any aspirin.

[JRL]

Well the deal is that I don't tolerate any NSAIDS well, but I have degenerative arthritis and tendinitis. The label dosage of white willow wasn't bad, but I guess to get any real effect I would have tale a lot more.

[Avery L. Breath]

Probably not what you were looking for, but might I reccomend a cayanne poultice

...for arthritis and rheumatism is made with : One part cayenne pepper, equal parts mullein leaves and slippery elm powder, cider vinegar to dampen the mixture

just don't rub your eyes!

[Avery L. Breath]

I talked to my local herbalist and he swears by the Green Lipped Mussel for relief and that it takes upward of a month of regular dosages to notice a difference.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealan ... ped_mussel

[visionarybear]

I can think of worse treatments than chowing down on mussels I have also heard of people claiming success from omega-3's and deer velvet etc.

The biggest problem for people who are chronic NSAID users is the stomach ulcers and strain on kidneys. The stronger the NSAID gets, the more stomach upset people tend to get. as few as 25% of patients can even tolerate things like diclofenac.

All the best for finding a treatment plan that gives you some relief.