Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Are Medications With White Willow Bark Safe?
Question: I have a history of bleeding ulcers that have perforated. I also have some osteoarthritis. Are products such as Thrive that has white willow bark in it safe? What about turmeric? At what dose?I do not use any NSAIDS.
Brief Answer:
Sucralfate is very important along with acid reducers.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
NSAIDS are strictly prohibited for you however a combination of tramadol and paracetamol(cyclo oxygenase 3 inhibitor) can be taken in extreme cases(much safer then NSAID'S).
The white willow bark contains Salicin which contains acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) though concentration is low.
Yet indirectly you are taking a low concentration of Aspirin daily in form of white willow.
Turmeric as such does not help in ulcers in the stomach rather there are some papers which say that it may even worsen your condition.
SO DON'T TRY ANY THING ON YOUR OWN.
Your basic treatment should consist of three parts-
1) An ulcer healer-Sucralfate 1 gram four times a day has to be taken for 3 months after which an endoscopy has to be done.
2) A potent acid reducer-PPI's are potent acid inhibitors which not only reduce the formation of excess acid but also reduce baseline acid secretion by parietal cells.
3)A reflux inhibitor-Prokinetic drug like Levosulpiride in combination with PPI's would be a good combination.
To avoid such product. In case you want to go for the natural treatment you could consult an ayurvedic doctor on this forum.
Though I am not an ayurvedic specialist yet I can give you a few suggestions, if you are willing to take it from me (basically I am a modern medicine practitioner).
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Sucralfate is very important along with acid reducers.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
NSAIDS are strictly prohibited for you however a combination of tramadol and paracetamol(cyclo oxygenase 3 inhibitor) can be taken in extreme cases(much safer then NSAID'S).
The white willow bark contains Salicin which contains acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) though concentration is low.
Yet indirectly you are taking a low concentration of Aspirin daily in form of white willow.
Turmeric as such does not help in ulcers in the stomach rather there are some papers which say that it may even worsen your condition.
SO DON'T TRY ANY THING ON YOUR OWN.
Your basic treatment should consist of three parts-
1) An ulcer healer-Sucralfate 1 gram four times a day has to be taken for 3 months after which an endoscopy has to be done.
2) A potent acid reducer-PPI's are potent acid inhibitors which not only reduce the formation of excess acid but also reduce baseline acid secretion by parietal cells.
3)A reflux inhibitor-Prokinetic drug like Levosulpiride in combination with PPI's would be a good combination.
To avoid such product. In case you want to go for the natural treatment you could consult an ayurvedic doctor on this forum.
Though I am not an ayurvedic specialist yet I can give you a few suggestions, if you are willing to take it from me (basically I am a modern medicine practitioner).
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
