| Scientific: | Salix alba |
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| Other: | White willow |
| Family: | Salicaceae |
Willow bark has been used for thousands of years as anti-inflammatory and analgesic to reduce pain associated with arthritis and myalgia. It contains salicylic acid, which is used as a precursor to make Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) involved in making prostaglandins that stimulate inflammation and fever.
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Caution: Willow bark can be toxic when not used properly. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Musculoskeletal
• chronic rheumatic conditions- arthritis- gout- myalgia
• lumbago (low back pain)
• carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
Immune
• fever
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Analgesic
• Diuretic
• Antipyretic
• Anticoagulant
• Astringent
• Simple Phenolics (E.g. Salicyclates: Salicin)
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 3-6 ml tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 1-2 tsp tid
Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation; safety has not yet been established with respect to salicylates.
Cautions: Salicyclate (aspirin) sensitivity, children (Reye's syndrome).
High doses: May lead to metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis.
• Anticoagulants (Coumadin) • Caution: theoretically it may increasing bleeding time due to salicyclates.
Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.
Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.
Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. www.nhpassist.com © 2014 NDAssist Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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White willowSummaryWillow bark has been used for thousands of years as anti-inflammatory and analgesic to reduce pain associated with arthritis and myalgia. It contains salicylic acid, which is used as a precursor to make Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX) involved in making prostaglandins that stimulate inflammation and fever. IndicationsSign in requiredActionsSign in requiredConstituentsSign in requiredPosologySign in requiredSafetySign in requiredInteractionsSign in requiredReferencesSign in required |
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