20601

Submitted by admin on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 07:32
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    White Willow, Willow Bark

  • Botanical Name

    Salix alba

  • Part Used

    Bark

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    25%

  • Dose

    20 to 60mL weekly

White willow modulates inflammation and relieves pain. It is commonly used for backaches, muscular soreness, headaches and arthritis. White willow is best known for containing salicylic acid which is the key ingredient in the over-the-counter drug aspirin. The multi-component active principle of willow bark provides a broader mechanism of action than aspirin and is devoid of serious adverse events. In contrast to synthetic aspirin, willow bark does not damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to White Willow and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    Bark from the white willow tree is one of the oldest herbal remedies for pain, reducing fever and inflammation, dating back more than 3500 years. 

  • Actions

    Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, astringent, bitter tonic, vermifuge, diuretic

  • Indications

    •    Pain associated with inflammatory issues and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, joint pain, tendinitis, sprains, chronic backache, lower back pain
    •    Pain and fever from autoimmune diseases, urinary tract inflammation, viral infections such as colds and influenza, sore throats, mouth infections
    •    Symptomatic relief from pain including headaches, toothache, neuralgia and dysmenorrhea
    •    Digestion disorders including diarrhoea (especially associated with opiate withdrawal) and parasites
    •    Topically wounds and warts

  • Energetics

    Cool, dry, pungent.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    There is no data evaluating white willow’s safety during pregnancy or lactation. It is generally not advised to recommend salicylate containing medicines during pregnancy or lactation although no restrictions are known for white willow directly.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    People known to be allergic to aspirin, and salicylate sensitive individuals, should avoid white willow.

  • Drug Interactions

    People using white willow bark may find they have lowered requirements for traditional anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDs and opioid analgesics. This combination may be beneficial. Tannins may interfere with absorption of other medications. Use with caution in patients taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication such as warfarin.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free

  • Substitutes

    Meadowsweet, Elder Flowers, Yarrow, Feverfew, Rosemary, Lime Flowers, Andrographis