If I told you that you could get relief from a migraine by chewing on tree bark, you’d probably give me a strange look and politely (or perhaps not so politely) disregard my advice. But did you know that for centuries that is what people did? And perhaps more surprising than the fact that they did it is the fact that it worked!

Around 400 B.C., White Willow Bark was discovered to possess pain relieving and healing qualities. It has been used ever since as a treatment for headaches, back & joint pain and inflammation. In the early days, patients were advised to chew on the bark for relief. Today, however, its healing powers are available in the form of extracts or supplements.

So what exactly can White Willow Bark Extract do for you? Lets take a look at some of its healing powers:

Headache Relief

In the 1800’s, when aspirin was being developed, scientists used the chemical salicin to do it. Salicin is in fact a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory found in Willow Bark. It bears a similar chemical makeup to aspirin and provides the same powerful relief. Compared to aspirin, however, salicin has been shown to provide longer lasting relief.

One way in which salicin provides headache relief is by attacking the COX-1 and 2 enzymes that trigger pain. Additionally, the powerful flavonoids in White Willow Bark also work to reduce pain by inhibiting prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in the body’s inflammatory response. By reducing prostaglandins, you reduce your risk of inflammation.

Reduces Fever

White Willow bark has long been used as an antipyretic to reduce fever. When the body senses infection (whether real or not), it sends chemicals known as pyrogens to the part of your brain that controls temperature (known as the hypothalamus). The body’s temperature then rises in an attempt to fight off the invader. The powerful healing properties of willow bark work to overcome this pyrogen induced rise in temperature, helping to restore your body temperature to its normal level.

Enhances Immune System

Finally, the properties in White Willow Bark work to enhance your immune system. The flavonoids in willow bark are known to provide a boost to Vitamin C, greatly improving its ability to protect and bolster your body’s immune system. And if your body’s immune system is under attack from a migraine or other types of pain, it will need all the boosting it can get to protect your health from deteriorating further.

So whether you’re looking for headache relief or simply looking to boost your immune system, White Willow Bark Extract can get the job done. Available in supplement form, and included as one of the powerful ingredients in our Migraine Support Formula, this powerful herb is easier than ever to get.

Has White Willow Bark Extract brought relief to your migraines? Post a comment below or share your story with us on our Facebook Page.