Willow Bark

Species name:  Salix alba.

Also known as: White Willow, Black Willow, and Crack Willow.

Have you ever heard of Willow Bark? Do you know what this herb does and how it might be beneficial to you? The bark from the Willow plant has long been used to treat many common conditions and illnesses. In fact, this plant is what aspirin was originally derived from so it treats many of the same things as aspirin.

What is Willow Bark?: The willow plant family that Willow Bark comes from includes a number of different species of deciduous trees and shrubs native to Europe, Asia, and some parts of North America. Because willow bark contains salicylates, it has the potential to interact with blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin so you should always be careful when using this herb and those medications together.

Home Remedies using Willow Bark:

Benefits of Willow Bark:

There are actually many different benefits to this herb. It is used to treat many common conditions and illnesses with people for many years. Willow bark has been used as an aspirin substitute for fever, headache, and for reducing swelling (inflammation) and pain caused by arthritis. This herb can treat many of the same things you would use aspirin for. Willow Bark herb can help ease many symptoms of fever or flu as well as tendonitis. There are types of arthritis that can be eased with Willow Bark.

Uses of Willow Bark:

  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Reduce swelling and inflammation
  • Arthritis
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Mild diarrhea with cramps
  • Fever
  • Flu
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (a form of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the lower spine)
  • Dried herb (used to make tea): boil 1 to 2 tsp of dried bark in 8 oz of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; let steep for ½ hour; drink 3 to 4 cups daily
  • Powdered herb (available in capsules): 1 to 3 g daily
  • Tincture (1:5, 30% alcohol): 4 to 6 mL three times per day
  • Standardized extract: tablets or liquid containing 60 to 240 mg of salicin once a day

Side Effect of Willow Bark:

Stomach discomfort and diarrhea may occur. Very unlikely: severe nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears, fatigue, confusion, black stools, easy bruising. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this product, seek immediate medical attention.