White Willow
Salix alba
Other names: White Willow
Photo credit: MPF
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Salicylate-type effects theoretically possible (no cases reported in the literature per the book).
Contraindications: General salicylate cautions implied (e.g., salicylate sensitivity).
Interactions: Theoretical salicylate-type interactions (ESCOP notes none); salicin does not irreversibly inhibit platelets like aspirin.
Evidence level
Documented in systematic traditional medicine literature.
Preparations
decoction · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: Traditionally for painful joints and aching rheumatic muscles.
How to prepare (traditional): Decoction of the bark; a combined remedy uses about 10 g each of white willow, St John's wort, and cramp bark.
Dosage note (descriptive only): For painful joints, take about 75 ml 3 times a day; for the combined remedy, drink about 150 ml twice a day.
tincture · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: Traditionally for rheumatism.
How to prepare (traditional): Tincture of the bark taken with water.
Dosage note (descriptive only): For rheumatism, take about 1/2 tsp with water 3 times a day.
other · bark
Part used: bark
Traditional use: For arthritic and rheumatic pain.
How to prepare (traditional): Tablets, often containing other herbs.
Dosage note (descriptive only): Take for arthritis (large/standardized doses may be needed).
Associated conditions
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003) — materia medica, Salix alba