White Willow Herbal Remedies
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.
White Willow Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| White Willow Decoction | 1 cup 2-3 x daily |
| White Willow Powder | 1 capsule 2-3 x daily |
White Willow Reference Information
| Latin Name | Salix alba |
| Other Names | |
| Part Used | Bark |
| Herb Forms | Capsule, bulk herb. |
| Affects | Blood, Digestive system, Nervous system |
| Cautions | None noted. |
| Botanical Info | 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. |
Supporting Research
Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.