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Information about the herb Willow Bark
Salix alba , also known as European Willow is part of the Salicaceae plant family. Originally from central
and southern Europe, the White Willow is a deciduous tree, introduced into the
United States and found next to rivers and streams and other moist areas throughout
the country.
Botanical Name: Salix alba
Plant Family: Salicaceae
Common Names: European Willow, Salicin Willow, Weide, White Willow, Withe, Withy
History: Willows have been used for over 2000 years for:
- pain relief
- reduction of fever
- and were mentioned by the great Herbalists, Dioscorides, Gerard and Parkinson
Tradition: The Willow Tree
- branches are used for the bindings on a witch's broom
- branches are used as healing wands
- brought the blessings of the moon into your life
- was planted near the home for protection
- was used by the American Indians for teepee poles (wood)
- was used to make gunpowder (powdered bark)
Plant Constituents of Willow Bark
Contains:
- salicin (does not cause gastric or intestinal upset or bleeding as aspirin does)
- salicylic acid (this has been synthesized into acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin)
- tannin
Action:
- analgesic [a drug which relieves or diminishes pain without causing loss of consciousness]
- anodyne [an agent that soothes or relieves pain)
- antibiotic [an agent that destroys or stops the growth of micro-organisms]
- anti-emetic [an agent to help with vomiting]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- anti-periodic [an agent which counteracts periodic or intermittent diseases such as malaria etc.]
- antipyretic [an agent which prevents or reduces fevers; febrifuge]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous andfluid from the body]
- detergent [an agent that cleanses wounds and sores of diseased or dead matter]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- febrifuge
[an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Bark, Leaves
Willow Bark does not block prostaglandins in the stomach or intestines.
Willow Bark is used for:
Bacterial and Parasitic Conditions
- inhibits and destroys bacteria and other organisms
- worms
Blood Conditions
- internal bleeding
It is used both internally and externally for
- bleeding wounds
- nosebleed
- spitting of blood
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- chronic diarrhea
- chronic dysentery
- dyspepsia, with debility of the digestive organs
- heartburn
- stomach ailments
Genitourinary Conditions
- gout
- increases the flow of urine
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
- connective tissue disorders characterized by inflammation
- muscular and arthrodial/articular (synovial joint) rheumatism
- reduces inflammation
- spondylitis (inflammation of the spine)
Other
- allays (relieves) pain
- convalescence from acute diseases
- prevents vomiting
- reduces fevers
It can be used as a gargle, mouthwash, eyewash for:
- inflammation of the gums
- to cleanse and heal eyes that are infected or inflamed
- tonsillitis
Externally it can be used in lotions or washes:
- for burns
- for eczema
- for offensive smelling perspiration when used with Borax
- for pus filled wounds
- for sores
- in a footbath for sweaty feet
- in skin eruptions
- to clear the face and skin of pimples
Other Uses: The Wood has been used for:
- charcoal
- making cricket bats
- paper pulp
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Willow Bark without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Willow Bark available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
