White Willow Bark

White Willow Bark: Cut and sifted bark of Salix alba, dried carefully so each batch keeps the integrity of the raw bark. It is a pale, fibrous bark with a bitter, astringent taste, sold crude for simmered tea, tinctures and traditional blends. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

The herb: White willow is a tall riverside tree in the Salicaceae family native to Europe and western Asia, named for the silvery underside of its leaves. Its bark appears in the writings of Hippocrates, and in 1828 salicin was first isolated from willow, the discovery that later led chemists to acetylsalicylic acid. The bark carries salicin and related salicylates, along with tannins and flavonoids.

What's in it: Cut bark only. Salicin is the compound the bark is known for; the body converts it slowly, which is why willow is described as gentler and slower than its synthetic descendant. The tannins give the mouth-puckering finish and the flavonoids the mild bitterness.

Dosage, first time: Start small. Bark gives up its compounds in a simmer, not a steep: use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of water, simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip. Willow is slow, so allow an hour or two before judging.

Regular use: Once you know your response, most people stay within 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz once or twice a day and take it with food to spare the stomach. Ginger or cinnamon softens the astringency. Do not use it for weeks on end without a break.

What to expect: A bitter, tannic, earthy cup; this is a workhorse bark for a home herbal kit, not a mood herb. It is not stimulating, not sedating and not something you feel within minutes. It sits well next to our Jamaican Dogwood Bark for blend builders.

Side effects: Because of its salicylates, willow bark can upset the stomach, cause heartburn or, at high amounts, ringing in the ears. Reduce, take it with food, or stop. Anyone who reacts to aspirin can react to willow the same way.

Interactions and cautions: Do not combine with aspirin, blood-thinning medications or other pain medications, and stop use two weeks before surgery. Not for children or teenagers, especially during a viral illness, and not for anyone with a salicylate allergy, stomach ulcers or kidney concerns. Not for use in pregnancy or while nursing; consult a healthcare professional before use if you take any medication.

Ingredients and storage: White Willow Bark (Salix alba). Store sealed, cool and dry, away from light; cut bark keeps for two years or more.

Common questions: How do you brew white willow bark tea? Simmer 1 teaspoon of cut bark per 8 oz of water for 5 to 10 minutes and strain; it is bitter, so honey helps. Is white willow bark the same as aspirin? No, it is the traditional bark that carries salicin, the natural compound aspirin was later modeled on. Can I tincture this cut white willow bark? Yes, cut bark is a standard tincture starting material.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. White willow is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.