Willow Bark for Occasional or Chronic Pain

Willow bark is a natural anti-inflammatory that's been used since the ancient Greeks. Willow bark contains salicin, a chemical similar to acetylsalicylic acid — the pain-relieving compound found in aspirin, as well as powerful anti-inflammatory flavonoids and phenols. According to the University of Maryland, there's good evidence that willow bark both relieves pain and reduces inflammation, and it may cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil. Several European countries have approved willow bark to treat numerous ailments including headache and arthritis. Willow bark can be bought as an extract or powdered in capsules.