White Willow Bark

[kellykatt]

I've seen white willow bark in a lot of diet pills recently. I'm assuming it's some type of herb. Why do they use it in OTC weight loss products? Is it one of those herbs that directly aids with weight loss like caffeine or is it one of those ones that they put in there that's supposed to help in another way.

[freddyboy]

It supposed to help with weight loss when combined with ephedra or kola nut. Since ephedra is banned that's not a good strategy. As for Kola nut, that's another stimulant that help with energy boosting and faster metabolism. White willow bark enhances the effects of these herbs.

Naturally, there's no proof that it actually aids with weight loss...

[ffviifan]

For weight loss white willow bark needs to be combined with other ingredients to be effective. While ephdra and kola nut are ingredients it has been combined with, I think some people combine it with other thermogenic ingredients like caffeine. Essentially white willow bark extends that activity of thermogenics, which leads to more fat burning.

[kellykatt]

Oh okay, so it sorta works like a catalyst? So does this mean that is should have the same effect on caffeine and other thermogenic ingredients that are not as dangerous as ephedra?

[1000kw]

Oh okay, so it sorta works like a catalyst? So does this mean that is should have the same effect on caffeine and other thermogenic ingredients that are not as dangerous as ephedra?

That would be my guess kellykatt.

That said, I think it's also worth pointing out that you shouldn't take white willow bark for longer than 12 weeks at a time because it can cause complications after that. Plus, it can cause side effects, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal system like upset stomach. It has also been know to cause rash and itching and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to or have sensitivity to aspirin.

[kellykatt]

That would be my guess kellykatt.

That said, I think it's also worth pointing out that you shouldn't take white willow bark for longer than 12 weeks at a time because it can cause complications after that. Plus, it can cause side effects, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal system like upset stomach. It has also been know to cause rash and itching and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to or have sensitivity to aspirin.

That's true. good point 1000kw. I never thought about the possibility of side effects. I wonder why you're not supposed to take it for longer than 12 weeks. If this is truly the case, I think products that use this herb should indicate that on their label but so many OTC diet pills don't tell you for how long it's safe to take them. They make you think that you can just kindof take them forever...