Condition
Treatment Support
antiinflammatory
Application
tea, capsule
White Willow
(Salix alba)
Botanical Information
The willows are a large group of shrubs or trees from the Willow family found in wet places, with unisexual flowers in spikes called catkins.
Working with White Willow
Part(s) Used
Bark
Herb Forms
Capsule, bulk herb.
White willow bark is widely known as a headache remedy. It has long been used to reduce fever in colds and flu and, due to its anti-inflammatory effects, relieve pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and rheumatism. It contains salicin, which is a naturally-occurring salicylate. Common aspirin is a close relative, though today aspirin is entirely synthesized from petroleum by-products. Willow bark is much milder and not as fast-acting as aspirin; the literature strongly suggests that it will not produce the same side effects as aspirin, such as stomach bleeding and Raynaud’s disease.
White Willow has a taste of BITTER, ASTRINGENT and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
None noted.
Conditions treated with White Willow
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
febrifuge, analgesic
Application
capsule, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
immune-modulating;antiinflammatory
Application
tea, extract in capsules, tincture
Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
capsule, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
