Diet & Fitness

As with aspirin, some people may experience stomach upset from taking willow. Although such symptoms are less likely from willow than from aspirin, people with ulcers and gastritis should, nevertheless, avoid this herb.¹⁸ Again, as with aspirin, willow should not be used to treat fevers in children since it may cause Reye’s syndrome.

There is one published report of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurring in a person who took a supplement that contained willow bark.¹⁹ The possibility of allergy to willow bark should be considered by anyone who is allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.